Bob Workman, executive director of the embryonic Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville since 2006, announced today he would resign the position at the end of 2009.
Workman said in an interview that he was proud of the work he’s done to date with the museum’s organization, collections and construction — he was consultant and project manager prior to the directorship — but he didn’t want to commit to a number of years after the museum opens its doors. He also said he looks forward to the opportunities the museum presents, which sounds like he may have future business plans connected to the museum.
Alice Walton has so far invested more than $250 million in the construction of and collection for the museum, which should open next year. Workman’s successor will be chosen by a national search. Given the state of the arts in the current economy and the pay — Workman was paid $228,800 in 2007 — the resumes should start coming in by the truckload.