The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary, prominent cultural institutions in Bentonville, Arkansas, have recently unveiled a significant leadership transition. Courtenay Finn has been named the chief curator for both establishments, a pivotal role that will see her guide their artistic direction and exhibition strategies. This appointment follows closely on the heels of a major expansion at Crystal Bridges, underscoring a period of dynamic growth and transformation for the museums.
Crystal Bridges and The Momentary Welcome New Chief Curator Courtenay Finn Amidst Expansion
Bentonville, Arkansas – On June 25, 2026, the esteemed Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and its contemporary art satellite, the Momentary, jointly declared the selection of Courtenay Finn as their forthcoming chief curator. Finn is slated to commence her duties on August 24, where she will report directly to Austen Bailly, who recently ascended from chief curator to deputy director of curatorial affairs in October of the preceding year.
Finn brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career to her new role. Most recently, she served as the chief curator and director of programs at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). During her impactful tenure at OCMA, which saw its merger with the University of California, Irvine last year, Finn played a crucial role in the successful opening of the museum's new edifice. Her efforts led to a remarkable 200 percent increase in visitor engagement and the acquisition of over 100 new artworks for the museum's collection, including significant pieces by artists such as Joan Brown, Derek Fordjour, Luchita Hurtado, and Yoshitomo Nara. Additionally, she was instrumental in co-curating the "2025 California Biennial: Desperate, Scared, But Social" and orchestrating solo presentations for prominent artists including Alice Neel, Tony Lewis, Yu Ji, and Fred Eversley, alongside the collaborative exhibition "Deux Femmes: Leonor Fini & Leonora Carrington."
Before her contributions to OCMA, Finn held notable curatorial positions across the nation, serving as chief curator at moCa Cleveland in Ohio, senior curator at the Aspen Art Museum in Colorado, and curator at Art in General in New York, further solidifying her reputation as a visionary leader in the art world.
This strategic appointment arrives at a momentous time for Crystal Bridges. Just weeks prior to Finn's announcement, the museum celebrated the grand opening of a substantial expansion, adding an impressive 114,000 square feet of new gallery, educational, and programming spaces to its existing 200,000-square-foot footprint. This expansion significantly enhances the museum's capacity to host larger exhibitions, enrich educational initiatives, and engage with a broader audience.
In a public statement, Finn expressed her enthusiasm for joining the team at Crystal Bridges, particularly during this period of significant growth. She remarked on the extraordinary work undertaken by the museum since its inception and conveyed her eagerness to contribute to their shared objective of fostering accessible exhibitions, engaging programs, and innovative initiatives that stimulate curiosity and challenge traditional artistic narratives.
Beyond Finn's appointment, Crystal Bridges and the Momentary have also fortified their leadership team with two additional key hires. Ryan Owen assumed the role of chief development officer on June 15, and Shayne Hart joined as chief communications and marketing officer in February. All three new executives—Finn, Owen, and Hart—will become integral members of the museum's executive council, bringing diverse expertise to propel the institutions forward.
Rod Bigelow, executive director of Crystal Bridges, conveyed his excitement regarding the new additions to the leadership team, emphasizing that each new member brings a unique perspective, profound expertise, and a shared dedication to the museum's mission. He underscored his belief that their collective contributions will be pivotal in guiding Crystal Bridges and the Momentary through this exciting new chapter of development and influence within the global art community.
The appointment of Courtenay Finn as chief curator, coinciding with significant physical expansion and other key leadership hires, signals a vibrant new era for the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary. This strategic alignment of vision and talent is poised to elevate the institutions' standing, offering enriched cultural experiences and fostering a deeper engagement with art in the community and beyond. It highlights a commitment to evolving narratives, fostering accessibility, and continuing to be a dynamic force in the American art landscape.