Santa Barbara Museum of Art Appoints Dr. James Glisson as Chief Curator

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) has named Dr. James Glisson as its new Chief Curator, in addition to his ongoing role as Curator of Contemporary Art, starting July 1, 2024. Glisson, who initially joined the museum as the Curator of Contemporary Art in February 2020, will step into his expanded role with immediate effect.

With the museum already having benefitted from Glisson’s robust contribution to the arts, Amada Cruz, the Eichholz Foundation Director, shared her excitement about his promotion: “I am delighted that James has agreed to lead the curatorial programs at the Museum. His commitment to scholarly rigor and community outreach sets us on a strong course for the future.”

Over his tenure, Glisson has curated renowned exhibitions such as “Going Global: Abstract Art at Mid-Century” (2022), “Scenes from a Marriage: Ed & Nancy Kienholz” (2023), and the cutting-edge “Made by Hand/Born Digital” (2024), illustrating his capacity to interweave historical and contemporary narratives through art. His notable work “The Architecture of Collage: Marshall Brown” (2022) was highlighted with a scholarly catalogue published by Park Books and globally distributed by the University of Chicago Press, showcasing his academic depth.

With over 100 artworks added to the museum’s collection under his curation, Glisson’s acquisitions span influential artists such as Daniel Lind-Ramos, Nancy and Ed Kienholz, and Joan Mitchell, enhancing the museum’s near 26,000-piece collection that transcends centuries of artistic works.

In his new capacity, Glisson will supervise the museum’s two highly regarded curators, Susan Tai, Elizabeth Atkins Curator of Asian Art, and Charlie Wylie, Curator of Photography and New Media. Glisson aims to further the success established by his colleagues, spotlighting both Tai’s exhibition “Flowers on a River: The Art of Chinese Flower-and-Bird Painting, 1368-1911” and Wylie’s “Janna Ireland: True Story Index” as standout collaborations that reflect local and international engagement.

Glisson brings a rich history of curatorial and academic experience to the SBMA. Before his time at SBMA, he made significant strides at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, notably as the Bradford and Christine Mishler Associate Curator of American Art and Interim Virginia Steele Scott Chief Curator of American Art. His innovative integration of contemporary art into The Huntington’s program received multiple awards from renowned institutions.

Dr. Glisson earned his PhD in Art History from Northwestern University and holds an M.A. in Art History from the State University of New York, Stony Brook. He completed his undergraduate degree at New College of Florida, a distinguished public liberal arts college.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, recognized as one of the premier institutions on the West coast, boasts a collection of exceptional quality. Its mission is to incorporate art into the daily lives of individuals through exemplary exhibitions and thoughtful presentations of its permanent collections.

For more information about SBMA’s upcoming exhibitions and programs under the new leadership of Dr. James Glisson, visit the museum’s website.