Since the cat's out of the bag I might as well make it official; after 5 years I'm leaving The Getty for greener pastures. I suspect I'll write a lot more about the experience there, and my reasons for leaving, in the coming months, but for now I'm just excited to be moving into a new phase of my career and life. Julia's about to move in; we've been working out every day and I'm feeling great; and I've got some great prospects ahead.

In other Getty news, just yesterday our scandal-ridden CEO Barry Munitz resigned after years of unanswered prayers and sacrificial offerings to the gods by our staff. The press release is, of course, as bland as it could be given the facts: years of scandal, culminating in a torrent of critical investigative journalism (and, now, state investigation). In an official act of non-guilt he's leaviing without his generous golden parachute, and even repaying $250k back to the Trust; but of course that's no admission of guilt, right? Well last I heard paying back your victims doesn't immunize you from prosecution - a point I'm sure the State Attorney General is mulling over today.

Anyway, the times they are a-changin'; I'm hoping for a turn-around there, but all indications are still a bit disappointing. More soon.

PS, if you have a copy of this month's Vanity Fair, there's a big article on Barry and the Getty that's a must-read.

PPS, ArtsJournal has a running summary of the Munitz affair.

A hyperbolic view of the Getty Center's main entrance hall.

10/17/2003, Westwood from the Getty (20031017getty01).
The Getty Center, Los Angeles
A view of Westwood and West Los Angeles looking south along the 405 freeway.

10/09/2003, Anthony Peres at the Getty (20031009getty01).
The Getty Center, Los Angeles
Tony testing his new Digital Rebel on a foggy day at the museum.