The Frist Art Museum has just announced that Seth Feman will replace its longtime CEO and Executive Director, Susan Edwards. Feman, who grew up in Nashville, has a Ph.D. and an MA from William & Mary, and an undergraduate degree from Vassar. He has worked for the past decade at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia.
Feman is co-curator of Alma W. Thomas: All is Beautifulwhich was co-hosted by the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Columbus Museum, Georgia, and opens this weekend at Frist.
Excerpt from the museum’s press release:
“After an extensive international search managed by Trustee and Chair of the Human Resources Committee, Deborah Story, the Board of Trustees is delighted to announce that Dr. Seth Feman has been unanimously appointed as the new Director of Frist Art Museum,” said Frist Art Museum Board of Trustees Chairman and President Billy Frist. “Seth brings a wealth of experience, expertise and compassion to continue executing our founding vision and mission. Growing up in Nashville, he has an invaluable understanding of our community and our institution’s role in it. We are very grateful for all the work that Deborah and the search committee have put into this process, and we know that Seth will step into the field fully equipped to build on our existing strengths.
In his role as Associate Director for Art and Interpretation and Curator of Photography at the Chrysler Art Museum, Dr. Feman led the curatorial, education and registration departments to develop dynamic exhibitions, creative experiences transformative learning and engaging programming. He joined the Chrysler in 2012 to support the museum’s renovation and relocation by developing and implementing a new collection interpretation and display strategy. After several years in the service of education, he was appointed Curator of Exhibitions and Photography, during which time he oversaw the exhibition program and revived the photography program by significantly expanding the photography collection.
“I am thrilled to join the incredible team at the Frist Art Museum and look forward to collaborating with the talented and mission-driven staff, the dedicated Board of Trustees, and the supportive community of Nashville. Together, we will continue to ensure that the Frist is a dynamic source of inspiration and a meaningful connection for people across the region and beyond,” said Dr Feman. “As a native of Nashville with a deep appreciation for the city’s culture and ambition, I have long admired the way the Frist has developed its exhibits and programs to allow visitors to experience a diversity of cultures. from all over the world and working with local artists. Over the years I have had the great good fortune of collaborating with the excellent staff at Frist in planning traveling exhibitions, and I am constantly inspired by the collegiality “, the creativity and the drive of the team. This opportunity is the realization of a long-held dream. I am deeply honored and thrilled to return home to serve a community and a state that I love.”
Dr. Feman will assume executive leadership in mid-April at the start of Frist’s twenty-first year of operation. In the interim, Anne Henderson, Director of Education and Engagement at Frist, will serve as Acting Director.
“The search committee, with professional assistance from executive search firm Koya Partners, has worked intensively to recruit top talent to serve as Frist’s new director,” said Deborah Story. “We considered many talented individuals and ultimately chose Seth Feman, who we believe is right to lead the Frist, and is excited to return to make a positive impact in his hometown.” Members of the Frist Art Museum Board of Trustees Research Committee are Pete Bird, Billy Frist, Frank Garrison, Jamaal Sheats, John Smithwick, Deborah Story, Julie Walker, and Gail Carr Williams.