On January 9, The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia entered an exciting new era with the arrival of Matthew McLendon as its new Director and Chief Curator. McLendon arrived in Charlottesville from Sarasota, Florida, where he spent the past six years as the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the internationally-renowned John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. “We are thrilled to have Matthew join The Fralin,” said UVA Vice Provost for the Arts Jody Kielbasa. “The University is approaching its third century, and with that, the Museum is looking forward to an exciting new chapter in its own long history. We believe that Matthew provides the leadership The Fralin needs to embark on this journey.

During his time at The Ringling, McLendon was hailed for revolutionizing the museum’s modern and contemporary holdings, including the successful and ongoing cross-disciplinary series “Art of Our Time,” which highlights the work of living visual and performing artists. The series represents an approach that he looks forward to continuing at The Fralin, McLendon says. “We have a tremendous opportunity at the Museum to grow and engage our audiences and supporters through conversations surrounding a broad spectrum of the arts and diverse cultures. We can truly reflect an institution where history and the future are embraced together. I am honored to join The Fralin and the community of one of our nation’s greatest universities.” Prior to joining The Ringling, McLendon was the Curator of Academic Initiatives at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College, the state art museum of Florida and also worked at London’s Tate Britain.