LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University’s Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art (NEHMA) has named Jeff Lambson as its new deputy director, marking a strategic appointment during a pivotal phase of expansion. This development coincides with the launch of the Wanlass Center for Art Education and Research and ongoing efforts to enhance NEHMA’s programming and exhibitions for both the university and the broader community.
Lambson is a distinguished museum professional with 25 years of experience in leadership and curatorial roles, primarily within academic institutions. His career highlights include receiving the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Award for Service in the Arts and recognition as one of Utah’s most influential figures over the past two decades by Salt Lake Magazine. Additionally, Westword Magazine has honored him as one of Colorado’s 100 Creatives.
Notably, Lambson is the first Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden staff member to have an artwork acquired and named in his honor. His curatorial and artistic work has attracted national and international attention from prominent outlets such as W Magazine, Artforum, PBS, Arts Asia Pacific, Forbes, and the BBC’s Culture Show.
Since 2017, Lambson has served as director of the University Art Galleries at the University of Colorado Denver, overseeing the Emmanuel Art Gallery and the Experience Gallery. Under his leadership, the galleries saw a near quadrupling of annual attendance, a tripling of the budget, expanded gallery spaces, and significantly increased media coverage, establishing them as key contributors to the university’s mission.
Lambson’s curatorial vision is centered on engaging students, community members, and artists in exhibitions that address contemporary ideas and foster meaningful dialogue. Prior to CU Denver, he was the founding curator of contemporary art at Brigham Young University, organizing exhibitions featuring renowned international artists such as Takashi Murakami, Jenny Holzer, and Shepard Fairey.
From 2001 to 2007, Lambson contributed to the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden as special assistant to the director, focusing on strategic initiatives including board engagement, evaluation, and technological integration.
Lambson’s wife, Ann, is an accomplished museum education leader with experience at the Denver Art Museum, BYU Museum of Art, and National Building Museum in Washington, DC. Recently starting her own company, she has personal ties to Utah through her family’s roots in Providence. The couple is enthusiastic about joining the Cache Valley community and participating in campus life.
Katie Lee-Koven, Executive Director and Chief Curator of NEHMA, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment: “Jeff brings the experience, visionary thinking, passion, and kindness needed to guide our museum as we expand with the Wanlass Center. We are thrilled to welcome him and Ann to USU and Cache Valley.”
Lambson commented on his new role, stating, “The opportunity at Logan and USU is a rare and exciting one. NEHMA holds an important position locally and nationally, and its exhibitions and programs are highly respected. I look forward to collaborating with Katie and the team to advance USU’s vision of fostering impactful and innovative lives through art.”
The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art aims to engage the public with modern and contemporary art to support learning and dialogue on issues vital to Utah and the university community. Admission is free, with parking available onsite.
