Sheldon director Driesbach to step down Sept. 20

Janice Driesbach, director of the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, announced today she is stepping down from the post effective Sept. 20, to pursue another position in arts or nonprofit management. Driesbach has served as Sheldon's director since September 2000.

During her 6 1/2-year tenure, Driesbach has forged stronger relationships with the Nebraska Art Association, moving the NAA funding for Sheldon from $50,000 per year to its current level of more than $900,000. She has overseen major renovation projects, enhanced student and community involvement in the Sheldon, and has been responsible for bringing in a slate of world-class exhibitions.

"It has been a privilege to work with outstanding colleagues and dedicated volunteers at the Sheldon, as well as with the museum's masterpiece building and renowned collections," Driesbach said. "I take pride in the Sheldon's expanded presence statewide, which has engaged more Nebraskans with the museum and university. Significant acquisitions, increased funding in support of exhibitions and programs, improvements in collections storage, and conservation efforts have taken place during my tenure, strengthening the Sheldon for the future."

UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman said Driesbach has been an exceptional leader for the Sheldon during a time of transition in both its organization and structure.

"She has helped integrate the Sheldon into the academic programs so that more students are impacted by its presence on campus," Perlman said. "She has supervised the renovation of one of the landmark buildings in Nebraska and has developed a strategic plan that has positioned Sheldon well for the future. The university as well as the arts community of Nebraska is indebted to her for her efforts. She has written a very positive chapter in the history of this important state asset."

Driesbach said her resignation comes at a strategically opportune time both for her and for the Sheldon.

"I have given this a great deal of thought and have the best interests of the Sheldon, and my wonderful colleagues at the Nebraska Art Association, at heart in making this move. By making my intentions clear at this date, I will be able to facilitate a smooth transition to new leadership for the Sheldon," she said.

Rhonda Seacrest is president in the Nebraska Art Association, the dedicated nonprofit support group of the Sheldon.

"When Jan assumed the position of Sheldon director, she faced several major challenges," Seacrest said. "Because of her extensive professional knowledge of museum standards and business practices, those challenges were overcome, setting the Sheldon and the NAA on a stable public/private partnership of progress that continues to flourish. With grace and kindness, Janice has been an extraordinarily cooperative NAA partner, working successfully with each consecutive NAA president and board. We wish her well."

Herb Howe, associate to the chancellor, said a search to replace Driesbach would begin shortly.

"One of the assets that Jan brought with her to Sheldon is the extensive network of contacts that she has established over the years in the art museum community," Howe said. "This has meant that Jan has been able to consult on a regular basis with leaders in the museum field. As a party to the early discussions with NAA, I quickly became aware of the integrity she brought to the position and how quickly she established rapport with both the university and NAA communities.

"She will be very difficult to replace."

The Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden houses both the Nebraska Art Association collection founded in 1888, and the University of Nebraska collection, initiated in 1929. Together they comprise more than 12,000 works of art in all media. This comprehensive collection of American art includes prominent holdings of 19th-century landscape and still life, American Impressionism, early Modernism, geometric abstraction, Abstract Expressionism, pop, minimalism and contemporary art.

CONTACT: Kelly Bartling, University Communications, (402) 472-2059