SALT LAKE CITY, UT.- University of Utah College of Fine Arts Dean Raymond Tymas-Jones announced today that David Dee has resigned as director of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA). “We have had the pleasure of working with David for the past four years, which could be classified as the most significant growth period in the museum’s history. He should take pride in the work he has done to bring some outstanding exhibits to Utah,” Tymas-Jones said.

In a statement to the dean, Dee expressed his appreciation of the support from the College of Fine Arts and “the privilege of leading the UMFA through an unprecedented period of growth and accomplishment.” Dee has decided to return to full-time curatorial duties and looks forward to focusing on the area of art he loves the most as curator of the U's Asian art collection.

According to Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Pershing, “The U is grateful for the huge successes of the recent exhibition of Monet to Picasso, as well as the current exhibition, Splendid Heritage, and the role David played in bringing these world-class collections to the UMFA for the enjoyment of all Utahns.”

"It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with David Dee and we have accomplished a great many things together,” added Marcia Price, chair, National Leadership Council for UMFA. “Thanks in large part to his accomplishments and the U's support, the future of the museum continues to be bright and promising."

Gretchen Dietrich has been asked to serve as interim director while the College of Fine Arts conducts a national search for a new director. Dietrich, currently director of public programs and curatorial affairs at the museum, has been engaged in the field of art museums for 19 years. Before moving to Utah, she was director of education Wadsworth Atheneum Museum in Hartford, Conn. for four years. Additionally, she has held positions in museum education and special exhibitions at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Mass., and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.