McLANAHAN--Barbara Hunt. The Children's Museum of the Arts' extraordinary Executive Director Barbara Hunt McLanahan passed away on June 25, 2019 after a hard fought battle with cancer. Barbara was a dear friend, beloved colleague and most of all a passionate advocate for the arts and artists. She spent her entire career advocating for nonprofit arts organizations serving as Executive Director of Visual AIDS (1997-2000), Artists Space (2000-2006), JUDD Foundation (2006-2013) and Children's Museum of the Arts from 2013 until last month. Barbara is widely recognized as a force in the art world who lovingly nurtured adult and child artists alike. She consistently fought for equal access to arts education, particularly for children from underserved communities such as those in foster care, on the autism spectrum, living in transitional housing and with physical disabilities. Barbara will be remembered by all who knew her for her off the charts energy, personal warmth, contagious laugh and her rigor in fundraising and advocating for the arts. Whether it was championing a CIVIC KIDS social justice program at CMA or helping a young artist get their first show, Barbara brought her optimism and best effort to every challenge. Barbara was a role model and an unparalleled leader in the nonprofit world. Barbara's presence at CMA will forever be missed by the staff, teaching artists, museum visitors and Board of Directors but her steadfast commitment to its mission will always inspire us to continue her work of introducing children to the transformative power of the arts. We send our heartfelt condolences to Barbara's family and friends and hope to see those who knew and loved Barbara at a memorial service at CMA being planned for September. The Children's Museum of the Arts Board of Directors