PHX Reporter

Betsy Fahlman, who has served as the Adjunct Curator of American Art at Phoenix Art Museum (PhxArt) since 2016, will retire on June 30, 2025. This joint role was shared with the School of Art in Arizona State University’s (ASU) Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Fahlman was the first to hold this position, established to enhance cooperation between PhxArt and the School of Art at ASU.

During nearly a decade at the museum, Fahlman balanced teaching at ASU with organizing exhibits at PhxArt, significantly contributing to expanding the museum's American and Western American art collections. Jeremy Mikolajczak, PhxArt's Sybil Harrington Director and CEO, stated, "On behalf of our staff, our volunteers, and our community, we extend our deep gratitude to Dr. Fahlman for her service and commitment to Phoenix Art Museum and our larger Valley arts community," expressing appreciation for her influence on students and the art community.

Fahlman, a scholar in art history with a focus on the American Southwest, public art, and American modernism, has previously spent 35 years at ASU’s School of Art. Her work at PhxArt included overseeing American art department's installations, exhibitions, and scholarly research. Her exhibitions explored various themes, such as the relationship between industry and art, and the legacy of American modernism. Notable exhibitions she curated include "The Collection: American Modern" (2024), "Landscapes of Extraction: The Art of Mining in the American West" (2021), among others.

Donald Opatrny, Chair of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, also highlighted her impact, stating, "Dr. Fahlman has made a profound impact on the Museum’s legacy, including its ability to bring historical and contemporary American artworks to wider audiences."

Following her retirement, Fahlman will continue as an advisor for the museum’s American and Western American art program. Phoenix Art Museum will start searching for her successor this summer. The new curator will handle all aspects of the museum's American art collections and exhibitions.

The museum, established in 1959, continues to draw nearly 300,000 visitors each year to its exhibitions and programs, showcasing a diverse collection of more than 21,000 works. More information about the museum can be found at phxart.org.