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The fall seems to traditionally spring surprises upon the art world. Apparently two curators of the corporate variety will be leaving their posts. Jim McDonald will leave as Curator of the Safeco Corporate Art Collection to direct Seattle's Public Art Program, and Michael Klein is leaving Microsoft, where he has served as art curator for five years to become director of the International Sculpture Center in New Jersey. Jim McDonald will join the staff of the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs to manage the City’s public art program beginning November 22. As curator of the Safeco Corporate Art Collection, Mr. McDonald was responsible for managing the company’s nationally-acclaimed 2,500 piece contemporary art collection, including acquisitions, exhibitions, outreach and education. Michael Klein's last day at Microsoft is Nov. 19. During his tenure, he added more than 1,500 art works to the collection, placing them not only at Microsoft's ever-expanding Redmond headquarters but also at Microsoft buildings in California's Silicon Valley.
Seattle City Office of Arts and Culture Director Michael Killoren announced that Jim McDonald will join the staff of the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs to manage the City's public art program beginning November 22. As curator of the Safeco Corporate Art Collection, Mr. McDonald was responsible for managing the company’s nationally-acclaimed 2,500 piece contemporary art collection, including acquisitions, exhibitions, outreach and education.
 "Cowboy", William Cumming, 1992, tempera on board, 48" x 36" from the SAFECO Corporate Art Collection.
McDonald on Seattle's Public Art Program;"I’m a firm believer that art in our daily lives enables us to better understand ourselves, each other and ultimately our community, I’m honored to be chosen to manage this distinguished program and look forward to working toward greater understanding through innovative art and programs."
McDonald has over 20 years of experience in the visual arts field as both a curator and arts administrator. He was Manager of Cultural Programs for the City of Kent, Washington and a curator at the Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma, Washington. He also has worked at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, the Denver Art Museum and the Mayor’s Commission on Cultural Affairs, Denver, Colorado.
McDonald received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and studied architecture in the graduate program at the University of Washington. He was also awarded an Arts Administration Fellowship in the Museum Program from the National Endowment for the Arts.
 "Stone Free" Bryan Smith, 2002 , found cardboard on hexboard, 23 x 66 x 2 inches from the Microsoft Art Collection
Klein to move to Manhattan
Klein has accepted a job as director of the International Sculpture Center in New Jersey. Dan Bross {his boss}said Klein told him that he's planning to move the center to Manhattan. Perhaps he can say hello to other recent Seattle Transplants like the past two SAM Modern and Contemporary curators Trevor Fairbrother and Patterson Sims.
The mission and direction of the Microsoft collection continues to emphasize emerging and mid career artists from around the world. What is changing is the physical size of the campus and the new locations to be added. The collection began in Redmond in 1987 when the company had approximately 1,800 employees and occupied six buildings. In 2003, the collection includes 4,000+ works of art and is divided among 84 buildings throughout North America. The emphasis in the collection is contemporary art from around the world, displayed for the benefit and enjoyment of Microsoft employees, their guests and our customers. The collection includes painting, sculpture, works on paper, prints, photographs, ceramics, studio glass and video.
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