Dr. Julie Sasse to Retire from the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block

Tucson, Arizona – Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (TMA) announces the retirement of Dr. Julie Sasse, Chief Curator and Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. Sasse has been in role at the museum since 2000 and chief curator since 2006. She plans to pursue independent curatorial projects and writing and to return to her artistic practice. During Sasse’s tenure at TMA, she organized more than 100 diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions, authored more than 40 catalogues, books, and journal articles, and was instrumental in bringing in hundreds of works of art into the permanent collection, greatly enhancing the quality and diversity of its holdings.

“It has been a deep honor to have served as chief curator and curator of modern and contemporary art at the Tucson Museum of Art,” Sasse said, “I am fortunate to have organized scores of exhibitions that showcased the amazing artistic talent in Arizona and the Southwest. I am proud to have acquired art and organized exhibitions by important artists from around the country and beyond for audiences in Tucson. I have forged lasting relationships with amazing artists, volunteers, docents, members, patrons, board of trustee members, staff, and the community, and I will cherish my time at the museum.

Among Sasse’s notable achievements while at TMA are the acquisition of works by John Chamberlain, Vernon Fisher, William T. Wiley, Gregory Crewdson, Kara Walker, Robert Bechtle, Tom Uttech, Andy Warhol, Wendy Red Star, Yinka Shonibare, Joyce Scott, Shelley Niro, vanessa german, and Serge Clottey. She focused on showcasing women artists and creating group exhibitions that included artists of color, Indigenous artists, and others in a range of backgrounds, identities, and perspectives. Among her notable group exhibitions are Trouble in Paradise: Examining Discourse in Nature and Society; Pintura sobre metal: exploraciones y descubrimientos modernos y contemporáneos; Hacia la noche: arte moderno y contemporáneo y la tradición nocturna; El vestido importa: la ropa como metáfora, y Desert Grasslands. Her solo exhibitions include artists Ai Weiwei, Florence Pierce, Bailey Doogan, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Rose Cabat, Monica Aissa Martinez, Olivier Mosset, Allan Graham, and Brad Kahlhamer, among others.

“It has been an enormous privilege to work with Chief Curator Dr. Julie Sasse over the past year. Her vast and varied knowledge of the art and artists of the Southwest has provided me with an ideal introduction to TMA. I wish her well in the next chapter of her life and I’m certain it will include art in some way, shape, or form.” said Norah Diedrich, the Jon and Linda Ender Director and CEO.

In partnership with staff executive team, the Board of Trustees will initiate a transition plan and a national search for Chief Curator position to ensure the TMA’s success and continuity of services.

Horario del Museo
miércoles – domingo
10:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m.

Acerca del Museo de Arte y Bloque Histórico de Tucson
Como institución construida sobre los territorios originales de los O'odham, el Museo de Arte y Bloque Histórico (TMA) de Tucson reconoce a las comunidades indígenas del desierto de Sonora, pasadas y presentes, que han administrado esta región durante generaciones.

TMA connects art to life through meaningful and engaging experiences that inspire discovery, spark creativity, and promote cultural understanding. Founded in 1924, TMA encompasses an entire city block in historic downtown Tucson and is committed to developing quality exhibitions, expanding, and diversifying its collection, providing arts education opportunities, and presenting relevant and innovative programs while broadening public access to the arts.

The museum features exhibitions of Modern and Contemporary art, Latin American art from ancient to today, Indigenous arts and Art of the American West. A permanent collection of over 10,000 works of art spans continents, centuries, and media. TMA’s campus includes five properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an art education center and research library, the Museum Store, and the highly acclaimed museum restaurant Café a la C’Art. TMA is a private 501(c)(3) charitable arts and education organization. For additional information visit TucsonMuseumofArt.org or call (520) 624-2333.

Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block. 140 N Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701

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