Director of RISD museum resigns

PROVIDENCE—The museum director at the Rhode Island School of Design has resigned.

School officials announced Monday that Hope Alswang was leaving the Museum of Art effective immediately to pursue other opportunities.

RISD President John Maeda says in a statement that during her tenure, Alswang boosted attendance and supervised restoration of museum buildings.

Ann Woolsey, assistant director of planning, will serve as interim director.

The school announced plans in May to close its flagship museum every August, lay off staff and reduce benefits because of its shrinking endowment.

Officials say closing in August will have the least impact on the school’s public and academic programs.