Recent arts coverage:
- Evolutionary biology. Aesthetic determinism. Live action role playing. The Rude Mechs are making a new play again
- Suburban battlefield: Women fight invisible foe in Amie Siegel’s ‘Black Moon’
- In eerie paintings by Ana Fernandez, a house isn’t just a house
More arts coverage | Follow this blog on Twitter @artsinaustin | Read recent arts reviews
Austin360 blogs > Austin Arts: Seeing Things > Archives > 2011 > April > 27 > Entry
Blanton director resigns
Ned Rifkin, director of the Blanton Museum of Art, announced today that he will resign from his position at the University of Texas museum effective May 31.
Director of the Blanton for just two years, Rifkin also holds a position as professor of art and art history.
Steven Leslie, UT executive vice president and provost, has appointed Simone Wicha, the Blanton Museum’s deputy director for external affairs and operations, as the new director, effective June 1. Wicha has been The Blanton’s deputy director for external affairs and operations since last year. Prior to that she was the museum’s director of development.
From the UT press release:
“I began my professional career in 1977 as an assistant professor of art at The University of Texas at Arlington,” Rifkin said. “Currently, I have been leading a junior seminar in the Plan II Program here at UT Austin and I had forgotten how much I love to work closely with students on developing their learning skills.
“Much as I will miss working with the outstanding staff at The Blanton, I believe my eagerness to teach more and my desire to pursue meaningful research on a variety of topics will better suit me. I wish every possible success to The Blanton as it continues to offer quality programs to transform lives through art.”
Prior to his role at The Blanton, Rifkin was undersecretary for art at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and directed the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Menil Collection and Foundation in Houston and the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.
Comments
When commenting, we ask that you keep things civil and abide by our Visitor Agreement. To report comment abuse, click here.
By Committee for a better B Scene
April 27, 2011 12:04 PM | Link to this
I hope this means they will plan better B Scenes — those things are pretty bad. It would be nice to have great events at that place.
By Plan II fan
April 27, 2011 11:27 AM | Link to this
I hope that Rifkin will continue to contribute his talents to Plan II.
By essef
April 27, 2011 10:57 AM | Link to this
No wonder it’s so hard to get a job in the arts, Rifkin has them all!