Hispanic Center Official Ousted Over Artist's Exhibit(NM:Fired by Richardson)

http://www.abqjournal.com/news/apmuseum02-09-06.htm ^ | February 9, 2006 | Associated Press

[CedarDave]

The National Hispanic Cultural Center's visual arts director says she refused to work on an exhibit of works by a Santa Fe artist collected by Gov. Bill Richardson because its scheduling didn't follow museum procedures.

Helen Lucero, who said the show by Elias Rivera would benefit a private gallery, said the experience prompted her to plan to retire early, at the end of March.

But on Monday, state Cultural Affairs Secretary Stuart Ashman put her on paid leave until then. Her office phone and computer were cut off, and the department's head of security stood by as she packed her belongings.

"I'm used to getting awards; I'm not used to being ousted,'' said Lucero, who has worked for museums from the Museum of Modern Art in New York to the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.

Ashman said his department "thought it would be in its best interest to offer Dr. Lucero some time to transition from work environment to what her private life is going to be.''

Tom Chavez, former director of the cultural center and the Palace of the Governors, called the action disgraceful. He said he resisted attempts to influence exhibition decisions while he worked at the cultural center.

"I've worked for governors since 1979, and no governor has interfered with operations of museums like this one does,'' he said.

The Associated Press left a message Thursday morning with a governor's spokesman, seeking comment.

The retrospective of Rivera's work is to open at the cultural center May 6, coinciding with a similar exhibit opening May 5 at the state Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe.

Ashman said Wednesday the exhibits were "a way of honoring one of New Mexico's most important living painters'' who has "a huge following'' in the state.

[CedarDave]

Tom Chavez, former director of the cultural center and the Palace of the Governors, called the action disgraceful. He said he resisted attempts to influence exhibition decisions while he worked at the cultural center. "I've worked for governors since 1979, and no governor has interfered with operations of museums like this one does,'' he said.

With Richardson, its my way or the highway...

[NewMexLurker]

If I needed to hire some kind of enforcer or goon, I don't think I could find a better thug than Bill Richardson. I've never seen a New Mexico politician who was as blatantly brutal and vindictive as this guy. Not ever.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Hire him, but don't provide meals, you'd go broke.

[NRA2BFree]

King Bill strikes again!

[CedarDave]

Helen Lucero, who said the show by Elias Rivera would benefit a private gallery, said the experience prompted her to plan to retire early, at the end of March.

I wonder if that private gallery is Gerald Peters gallery? See this thread:

Governor, Casino Investor's Parties Meet Up After Football Game (NM: Richardson)

And this story from a few years ago...

GREAT STORIES: ART OF THE DEAL Success, disputes mark art dealer's business, Peters' competitive side helped him build empire