The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) has officially named Frank Feltens as its new chief curator, effective August 17. He replaces José Carlos Diaz, who left last October to take a similar role at the Peréz Art Museum Miami. Feltens has served as the associate director for curatorial affairs and curator of Japanese art at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art.
Background on Frank Feltens
Feltens began his journey at the Smithsonian in 2016 as a postdoctoral fellow. He has since advanced to the role of associate director, a position he was promoted to in July 2025. His curatorial expertise encompasses a range of thematic exhibitions, including:
- Imagined Neighbors: Japanese Visions of China, 1680–1980 (2024)
- Mind Over Matter: Zen in Medieval Japan (2022)
- Hokusai: Mad about Painting (2021)
Additionally, Feltens curated the exhibition titled From Kiyochika to Hasui: Modern Japan in Prints and Photographs, which showcased works from the National Museum's collection at the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum in Tokyo earlier this year.
Feltens' Vision for SAM
As the new chief curator, Feltens will steer the curatorial direction of SAM’s exhibitions, collections, and research across its three locations: the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park. SAM’s director and CEO, Scott Stulen, expressed enthusiasm for Feltens’ appointment, stating, “Frank is exactly the kind of visionary leader we were looking for at this moment in SAM’s history.”
Stulen highlighted Feltens’ “exceptional combination of deep scholarship, collaborative leadership, and ambitious thinking about what museums can be.” Feltens impressed the selection committee with his curiosity, preparation, and genuine enthusiasm for Seattle, engaging with visitors and sharing innovative ideas to enhance SAM's impact.
Commitment to Community Engagement
Feltens shared his excitement about joining SAM, noting, “What I have seen is genuine commitment to being a real hub for local communities while aspiring to visionary leadership in the museum sector.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration and thoughtfulness in realizing SAM's ambitious goals alongside Stulen and the team.
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