Judy Wukitsch to Resign Effective July 1

Judy Wukitsch, South Orange's assistant director of recreation and cultural affairs and director/founder of the Pierro Gallery, turned in her letter of resignation on Wednesday. She'll step down effective July 1.

Wukitsch was at the center of the furor over the Village's proposal to lay off 14 municipal employees last year, when arts supporters attended public meetings in droves to urge the Board of Trustees to save her position. The Village ultimately struck a deal with Local OPEIU 32 in which the union agreed to concessions in order to save the jobs.

Wukitsch says she has no plans for after July 1.

"It's just time. I've been here for 20 years," she said, noting that she started at the Baird as a volunteer, since there was no arts programming for children at the time. She's held the assistant director position for more than 12 years.

She said the reaction to news of her resignation is one of shock but also of understanding and support. There's also an undercurrent of anxiety about what's going to happen to the arts in South Orange, and "I don't have an answer for them," she said.

"Judy's resignation was unexpected and came as a complete surprise," said Village President Doug Newman, in an e-mail. "She's played an invaluable role in developing, managing, and promoting cultural arts in South Orange, and in establishing the Village as a community that welcomes and fosters the arts."