Director of popular Columbia art museum to step down next year. What we know
The leader of a well-known downtown Columbia museum plans to exit her role next year.
The Columbia Museum of Art, located at 1515 Main St., announced in a Thursday release that executive director Della Watkins will exit her role in April 2026. She has led the art museum since 2017.
Watkins is stepping aside to care for her elderly parents in Virginia, the release said.
“For more than eight years as the CMA’s executive director, Della has led with purpose, heart, and a steady hand,” Columbia Museum of Art board president Therese Griffin said in a statement. “Della has consistently and admirably prioritized both excellence and care — not only for the CMA’s spectacular art collection, but also for the CMA staff and supporters and the entire community.
“While she will be greatly missed, we certainly understand and support her need to now focus more intently on family.”
The museum’s board has appointed an executive search committee to seek a new executive director. That committee expects to complete its work within a year, the release noted.
The Columbia Museum of Art has been a key part in the revival of Main Street in recent years. Watkins has led the museum through a significant renovation and what is referred to in a release as a “cutting-edge gallery lighting upgrade.”
Before Watkins arrived in Columbia, she was the executive director of the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Virginia.
