On just his second day on the job, new Kaua‘i Museum Director Brian Curll has plenty to do, coordinate, organize, oversee — as well as fill some proverbial, big shoes. But for Curll, wearing the new shoes means taking it
On just his second day on the job, new Kaua‘i Museum Director Brian Curll has plenty to do, coordinate, organize, oversee — as well as fill some proverbial, big shoes.
But for Curll, wearing the new shoes means taking it all in stride and getting it done; and that’s exactly what he’s been hired to do.
“Things are moving quickly,” Curll said, shuffling about the museum at a rapid pace, but still taking time to slow down and talk story about the museum with visitors and artists alike.
The exiting Kaua‘i Museum Director, Carol Lovell, is a longtime friend of Curll’s, and the two will be working alongside each other until Dec. 31, provided holiday and accrued vacation times cooperate.
Lovell announced her resignation seven months ago, and it has taken that long to find the perfect match for the position, after those charged with the task of hiring pored over resumes and scoured for candidates from across the island, state and Mainland.
Curll, who also is the president of Pu‘u Wai Canoe Club, met Lovell, a former Kauaikini Canoe Club president, paddling, he said — a sport with a great Hawaiian tradition for which he has always had great appreciation.
Though being the museum’s new director means Curll had to resign his post as a Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association board member to free up more time, he will continue other community outreach that could help drive more museum donations, awareness and volunteerism.
Multitasking is a talent those who know Curll have come to expect, and it’s a trait proven just by taking a peek at his resume, which reads like an almost random array of knowledge, work history and abilities.
Whether managing and financing children programs, working with Arc of Kaua‘i and helping people with intellectual disabilities, working as an independent contractor or outdoor adventure guide, Curll has proven over the years that he’s no stranger to community outreach.
He was a social case worker and patient advocate, grant writer, graduate research assistant for retrovirology at University of Hawai‘i and a public speaker who addressed such topics as drug induced mutation. He also had a stint as a staff writer and columnist in Maui.
Looking immediately ahead, Curll said he plans to maintain the structural integrity for the preservation of Kauai artifacts and the safety of their housing, as well as work to raise money for the nonprofit and write grants.
Acknowledging that the position has usually been given to someone of Hawaiian ancestry, Curll said, “I can only hope I can bring the same respect and appreciation for traditional Hawaiian values,” he said.
With that in mind, and also keeping in mind the upcoming museum events, Curll said the Japanese internment show is winding down, he plugged the upcoming archaeological show and Annual Christmas Artisan Craft Fair, one of the Kaua‘i Museum’s signature events on Dec. 7 — but, he said, residents also should make room on their calendars for an event in honor of Lovell, the date and time for which has yet to be determined.
“I haven’t had time to put that together yet,” he said.
Linda Shimoda, another recent hire who serves as gallery director and education outreach coordinator, said she looks forward to working with Curll.
“I took this position knowing I’d be working with a different director, so it’s comforting to have Brian on board, made all the better knowing he is respected in the community,” she said.
•Amanda C. Gregg, assistant editor/staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@kauaipubco.com.
