OMAHA, NE.- Joslyn Art Museum announces the appointment of Toby Jurovics as the Museum’s new chief curator and Richard and Mary Holland Curator of American Western Art, Joslyn’s first ever endowed position established by Richard and the late Mary Holland. Jurovics comes to Joslyn from the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. He will begin work at the Museum in mid December.

Jurovics has been curator of photography at the Smithsonian American Art Museum since 2006. Prior to that, he was a curator for over a decade at the Princeton University Art Museum. He earned his Master’s degree in art history from the University of Delaware and his Bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

As a curator, Jurovics’ focus has been and remains art of the American West, both in the nineteenth and twentieth century. As an advocate for contemporary artists, he served as co-chair of the Smithsonian Artists Research Fellowship committee, a program that grants funds annually to contemporary artists for projects that facilitate interaction been the arts and sciences. Over the course of his career, Toby has published articles and catalogues, been active as a lecturer, and coordinated nearly 60 exhibitions. With experience working in both a large and a mid-sized museum, he has managed all aspects of a curatorial department, from exhibitions and acquisitions to installation and conservation. He has considerable experience with budgeting, strategic planning, fundraising, publications, and education.

“Toby is cognizant of the challenges and opportunities that exist at a Museum that is responsive to the needs and priorities of its local community while also taking part in a larger regional and national exchange,” said Joslyn executive director and CEO Jack Becker. “I am delighted to have someone of his caliber on board at Joslyn. His impact on the presentation and growth of our collections and programs will be significant.”

Jurovics noted, “Since my first visit a decade ago, I have always regarded Joslyn as an ideal museum — a landmark building, highly regarded collection, and thoughtful and dedicated staff. And as a western historian, I was of course drawn to the Bodmer collection and the strength of the Museum’s presentation of the American landscape beyond the Missouri River. I am delighted to be coming to Joslyn Art Museum and look forward to contributing to its exceptional history of exhibitions and programs.”