BENTONVILLE, AR.- Elizabeth Glassman, president and chief executive officer of the Terra Foundation for American Art, has recently been appointed to the board of directors of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Since joining the Terra Foundation in 2001, Glassman has led the organization in developing and launching its expanded grant program, which has since awarded approximately $45 million for some 450 exhibitions and scholarly programs in more than 30 countries. Glassman also oversees the Foundation’s renowned collection of American art, which continues to grow and be shown at venues across the world.

Recently Glassman was awarded the rank of Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, an honor bestowed by the French government in recognition of “eminent artists and writers, and people who have contributed significantly to furthering the arts in France and throughout the world.”

“Liz has been a wonderful adviser and confidant on a casual basis throughout the progress and development of Crystal Bridges,” said Alice Walton, board chair. “She'll be an excellent fit to bring additional professional expertise and counsel.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Elizabeth Glassman to the board,” said Crystal Bridges president and board member Don Bacigalupi. “Crystal Bridges has collaborated closely with the Terra Foundation, and Liz has shown extraordinary support for the museum. Her knowledge of American art and dedication to furthering the scholarship of American art history will make her an invaluable addition to our board. We are looking forward to working with her and welcome her extensive expertise.”

“From the first time I met Alice Walton, I deeply admired her vision for a museum of American art and her commitment to building and presenting a collection that would resonate with equal vigor to regional, national and international audiences,” explained Glassman. “The tremendous success Crystal Bridges has enjoyed in just over a year is a testament to Don Bacigalupi’s unparalleled dedication and leadership. I look forward to working closely with both of them, as well as other board members, to help the museum continue to its trajectory of success.”

Last year, the Terra Foundation began a multi-year collaboration with Crystal Bridges, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA, and the musée du Louvre in Paris to establish American Encounters, a series of focused exhibitions featuring selected works from each institution. The exhibition travels to each partner museum. This year’s exhibition, American Encounters: Genre Painting and Everyday Life, opened in January at the Louvre, then will travel to Crystal Bridges from May 11 through Aug. 12, and to the High Museum from Sept. 14, 2013 through Jan. 14, 2014.