Tom Grubb
Tom Grubb, executive director of the Fayetteville Museum of Art
Tom Grubb was born in Lexington, North Carolina, and has lived in Fayetteville with his wife Elaine since 1986. He has been the Executive Director of the Fayetteville Museum of Art since 1990 and prior to that he was the interim director and artist-in-residence at the Museum. From 1984 to 1988 he worked as visiting artist at Robeson Community College and at Fayetteville Technical Community College through the North Carolina Visiting Artist program. Tom attended graduate school from 1980 through 1983 at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. He funded his studies in graduate school by working on ships in the North Atlantic Ocean as a crewman and eventually as Captain. His work experience also includes teaching math in the public school system in Elizabeth City, NC, from 1974 to 1978. He taught math and art in Florence, South Carolina from 1970-1971. Tom was drafted into the Army in 1971 and spent two years at Fort Bliss as an instructor in missile technology. His education includes Bachelor of Science degrees in political science and history from Appalachian State University in 1970 and a master of fine arts degree from East Carolina University in 1983.
Grubb's tenure at the Fayetteville Museum of Art has been marked by large national traveling exhibitions, new educational programs and festivals on the grounds that have attracted thousands. He was a major force in the early 1990’s in providing a leadership role in unifying the arts community in its efforts in obtaining public funding. Tom Grubb’s vision of the future for the Fayetteville Museum of Art is it to be located in the downtown area of Fayetteville and be a catalyst for cultural and economic development. To learn more about the museum's exhibits and plans for the future visit their website!