Crystal Bridges Museum founder Alice Walton hires new director
Don Bacigalupi has been named the new director of Alice Walton’s Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Museum founder Alice Walton said Bacigalupi, 49, is “the ideal person for the job.”
“The depth of his experience in managing a museum, his scholarship in American art, and his commitment to arts education are a perfect fit with our mission and will ensure the success of Crystal Bridges,” Alice Waltonwho founded the museum four years ago, said in a news release.
Bacigalupi has led the Toledo Museum of Art since 2003.
“The opportunity to lead and help launch a major new art museum is thrilling,” said Bacigalupi. Crystal Bridges is distinguished among museums worldwide in offering an outstanding collection of American art in a beautiful natural setting. For me, the museum’s vision for offering meaningful learning experiences and a dynamic mix of programming serving local, regional and national audiences is especially important.”
The 100,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in 2010.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is envisioned as a premier national art institution dedicated to American art and artists, learning and community gatherings, according to its Web site.
Also, Bacigalupi is one of more than 11 new hires at the museum, located in Bentonville, Ark.
“We have added 11 new positions in 2009, making our current number 36,”said Rhonda Houser, the museum’s human resources manager. “We expect to double in size in 2010, and ultimately plan to have a staff of about 100 in place.
