Director Of Bartlesvilleâ€™s Price Tower Resigns

Monday, September 11th 2006, 5:52 am

By: News On 6

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (AP) -- The executive director and chief executive officer of Price Tower Arts Center has accepted a deputy director of external affairs position at the Miami Art Museum.

Richard P. Townsend, who announced his resignation on Thursday, will head a newly created division combining marketing and development.

He will remain with the Arts Center through October.

Since 2001, Townsend has overseen such major projects as the design of a proposed $20 million, 50,000 square feet building addition. Townsend also created a national advisory council to help guide the organization.

Townsend's tenure closes with the culmination of many years work to restore the original remaining Frank Lloyd Wright interiors. The top three floors of Price Tower in their original 1956 appearance are due to open October 13.

"Richard's vision and dedication to our mission will be greatly missed," said C.J. Silas, chairman of the board of trustees. "Under his leadership, Price Tower Arts Center has become a landmark destination for art, architecture and design."

Price Tower is Frank Lloyd Wright's only skyscraper. The landmark is celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout 2006.