Carol Vogel announces that Anne Poulet, 68, who has been director of the Frick in New York since 2003 has announced her plans to retire next year:

As custodian, Ms. Poulet could have kept things as they had always been. But instead she has continually improved the surroundings, directing a seamless refurbishment program that included updating the Living Hall — its oak paneling waxed to a honeyed sheen, the ceiling repainted and the rug cleaned — and giving the East Gallery a gentle face-lift for the first time since 1945. Next month the Boucher Room will be reopened after having been closed for three months to be cleaned and to have its lighting updated.

Most recently Ms. Poulet masterminded the enclosure of the Fifth Avenue portico to create new gallery space, the first that has been added to the building in more than 30 years.

Throughout her tenure, art and objects have been moved and loans, often from private collections, secured to amplify the Frick’s collections.

Director of Frick Will Retire in Fall of 2011 (Arts Beat/New York Times)