Paul Crawford, the much-loved curator of the Penticton Art Gallery, has been laid off for 11 weeks, The Herald has learned.

A source requesting anonymity told The Herald that the layoff was a financial decision. The financial challenges of the gallery were brought to public light in 2023 after city council voted against the gallery’s full grant request of $145,000.

Crawford and his treasurer faced intense questioning for more than an hour at a city council meeting.

Crawford, who has been with the gallery since 2008, is responsible for popular exhibitions including Bob Ross, Robert Bateman, a Syrian art display and the current show, David Spriggs First Wave.

The Ross show was one of the few events that brought visitors to Penticton during the summer of COVID-19.

Crawford was also instrumental in founding Unite the Arts with his partner Julie Fowler, held annually each spring.

In 2021, Crawford received the city’s highest honour — the Business Leader of the Year from the Chamber of Commerce.

In a press release sent Friday, president Claude Roberto said that Karen Walls, the Gallery Gift Shop Coordinator, has also been placed on leave with no recall date.

“Cost saving measures are being taken due to the financial deficit accrued, making these actions unavoidable,” Roberto wrote in a press release.

“It is the hope of the Board that by pausing the employment of our highest-paid position, additional time can be afforded to perform an in-depth internal evaluation and the consideration of an operational realignment.”

Additionally, the gallery will now be open for only four days a week, Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. All programming will be delivered as scheduled.

“We must be very clear, the Gallery is facing a time of dire hardship,” Roberto said. “The Board is making every effort to keep the Gallery open. With roots stretching back to the 1950s, we are dedicated to maintaining a robust and accessible art gallery in Penticton. Our Impact Statement – to enrich lives by sharing opportunities for artistic expression, creative connections, and cultural impact – leads our actions as the Board of Directors.”

Crawford has declined The Herald’s request for a comment.

A new board was elected on May 28 and included: Juliana Buitenhuis, Kayla Cazes, Ann Doyon, Rhonda Radench, Blair Raimondo, Frank Regehr, Roberto, Ankit Sachdeva, Ret Tinning, Banu Tulumen and Leslie Whatmough.