'Sheldon Museum of Art,' 'Sheldon Art Association' are new names

Today the American art museum on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus will be renamed "Sheldon Museum of Art," and its dedicated support organization will become "Sheldon Art Association." Previously the names were "Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery" and "Nebraska Art Association."

Recommended in its strategic plan, the changes clarify Sheldon's mission as a museum and center for the visual arts and culture at the University and Lincoln and align the museum's membership under the Sheldon name.

The new names will be reported today to the NU Board of Regents by UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman upon his recommendation to NU President James B. Milliken, and a new temporary sign unveiled this evening at the Sheldon's First Friday reception.

"The change to Sheldon Museum of Art more accurately reflects the mission and vision of the institution as an exhibition site for modern American museum works and updates and streamlines its name while continuing to honor the Sheldon history and legacy," Perlman said. "We were delighted to work with the Sheldon Art Association to make these two changes that will further strengthen the museum and its group of dedicated supporters and volunteers."

Rhonda Seacrest, President of the Sheldon Art Association, said, "This fills the last link in the circle connecting the association and university. In its 120-year history, the art association has always been ready to adapt and change to achieve its goal of bringing great art to Nebraska. Our new name will reduce confusion with other organizations and align the Sheldon Art Association with the Sheldon Museum of Art."

The Sheldon Art Association was organized in 1888 with about 180 members as the Haydon Art Club, named for Benjamin Robert Haydon, a British painter. In its early years the club presented art annual exhibitions in Lincoln, bringing works of artists from across the country, and provided financial support for art instruction at the university. In the early 1900s, the club was reorganized and incorporated as the Nebraska Art Association.

From its annual exhibitions, the NAA and its members acquired numerous pieces, which over the years became the foundation of the museum's outstanding collection of American art. Through the first half of the 20th century, these artworks did not have a permanent home and were exhibited in many university venues. Completed in 1963, the elegant museum building was a gift of Frances and Bromley Sheldon to the university. Designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson, the museum now houses collections with more than 12,000 artworks.

As the museum's nonprofit support group, the Sheldon Art Association, with more than 500 members, provides most of the funding for exhibitions, events and programming at Sheldon.

The museum, located at 12th and R streets on the city campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For information or to arrange a tour, call (402) 472-2461. Additional information is available on the Sheldon web site

Admission to the museum is free.

Contact: >Tom White, public relations coordinator, Sheldon Museum of Art, (402) 472-2461