Lauren Haynes / Courtesy
Lauren Haynes will join Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in October as curator of contemporary art, officials announced on Tuesday.
Haynes, an associate curator at the Studio Museum in Harlem, is a specialist in African-American modern and contemporary art and has curated numerous exhibitions, including an exhibit on Alma Thomas. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Art History from Oberlin College.
In her new role at Crystal Bridges, Haynes will contribute to all activities related to the contemporary art program including exhibitions, collection development and presentation, and publications as well as community partnerships, public programs, and donor stewardship.
Margi Conrads, the museum’s director of curatorial affairs, said Haynes brings “an acute eye and extensive experience, a hallmark of which has been innovative presentations and working with artists and collectors. Her passion and collaborative spirit will play an important role in connecting visitors to contemporary art at Crystal Bridges.”
Conrads said Haynes’ experience will also complement efforts at Crystal Bridges’ new arts venue in the old Kraft cheese factory in Bentonville, where she’ll help build an artists-in-residence program.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Crystal Bridges team,” said Haynes. “I have closely watched all of the work being done there since the museum’s founding and I look forward to helping grow the contemporary art program.”
Haynes said Crystal Bridges and the Studio Museum are similar in that they’re both committed to bringing innovative and challenging artworks and exhibitions to broad and diverse audiences.
“I can’t wait to bring the perspective I’ve developed over the past 10 years to Crystal Bridges and the Northwest Arkansas community,” she said.
