Gallery 37 director will leave to join foundation

The director of Gallery 37, Chicago’s arts training program for youths, said Tuesday that she is leaving to join the Joyce Foundation as culture program officer.

Michelle Boone, 42, has been with Gallery 37 since 1998 and has been its director since April 2001. Colleen Sims, Boone’s deputy director since 2001, will succeed her, said a spokeswoman for the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs.

Boone is to start Jan. 26 at Chicago-based Joyce. She will oversee some $1.4 million in annual grants to cultural groups.