When Indiana’s Valparaiso University reopened its Brauer Museum of Art in 2022, it followed a two-year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The school welcomed Jonathan Canning as the new director, highlighting his credentials from London’s Courtauld Institute and his previous roles at the Hyde Collection in Upstate New York and the Loyola University Museum of Art in Chicago.
However, the museum closed again two years later, and Canning lost his job. The university stated that the closure was temporary but did not provide a reopening date. Due to declining enrollment and rising costs, canning was dismissed as part of a “restructuring” that affected 14 other employees.
The university is also embroiled in controversy over its plans to sell $20 million of three valuable paintings by Frederic Edwin Church, Childe Hassam, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Their explanation is to protect the artworks from climate protesters by moving them to secure offsite storage that prevents potential damage. Although the funds are intended to renovate freshman dormitories, the plan to sell the artwork to cover operational expenses violates the guidelines of professional organizations.
Canning expressed skepticism about the university’s decisions, questioning why the museum was reopened in 2022 if it could not be sustained. He highlighted the museum’s achievements during his tenure, including 32 exhibitions and installations, over 20 student employees, and more than 13,000 visitors, arguing that it was the most cost-effective department at the university.
Despite the university consulting RPK Group for financial advice, Canning noted that the museum was not included in the review, and he was not invited to contribute to the Operational Sustainability Initiative. Canning also defied the administration’s expectation to leave immediately after his position was cut. He stayed to manage ongoing activities and ensure the museum was properly closed, with the help of students and the Dean of the Library.
During the closure, the museum faced issues such as water leaks, acidic canvases, improper storage, and high humidity levels, raising concerns that these problems might recur. University spokesman Michael Fenton stated that the university remains committed to providing the best possible experience for students and securing the institution’s future.
Sayart / Amia Nguyen, amyngwyen13@gmail.com
