Larry Wheeler Paintings

Larry Wheeler, whose full name is Lawrence J. Wheeler, is an American art historian, curator, and director emeritus of the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) in Raleigh, North Carolina. Born in 1944, Wheeler has had a significant impact on the art world through his leadership and dedication to arts and culture. However, it is important to note that he is not primarily known as an artist in the traditional sense but rather as a curator and arts administrator.

Wheeler's career in the arts began after he completed his academic studies. He earned a doctoral degree in European Art History from the University of Kentucky. His professional journey took him through various institutions where he honed his curatorial skills and developed a keen sense for arts administration. Prior to his position at the NCMA, Wheeler served at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in California among other institutions.

In 1994, Wheeler became the director of the North Carolina Museum of Art and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2018. During his tenure at the NCMA, he oversaw significant expansions and renovations of the museum's facilities, including the construction of the museum's new West Building, which opened in 2010. This addition significantly increased the museum's gallery space and allowed for the presentation of the museum's collection in a more modern and visitor-friendly manner. Furthermore, Wheeler was instrumental in the acquisition of numerous works of art, enriching the museum's collection and broadening its scope to include a more diverse array of works from different cultures and time periods.

Wheeler is also known for his efforts to make art accessible to wider audiences. He advocated for the museum to be a place of education and community engagement, facilitating programs that reached beyond traditional museum-goers. His approach towards inclusivity in the arts has been a hallmark of his philosophy and leadership style.

Throughout his career, Wheeler has been recognized for his contributions to the arts through various awards and honors. His influence extends beyond the walls of the museum as he has served on boards, committees, and advisory groups, further demonstrating his commitment to the cultural sector.

As of the knowledge cutoff date in early 2023, Larry Wheeler is not reported as deceased, and his contributions to the art world continue to be recognized and celebrated. He is considered a significant figure in the cultural landscape of North Carolina and the United States.