Norton Museum hires new curator to lead Asian Collection

Shawn Yuan is the new Elizabeth B. McGraw Senior Curator of Asian Art at the Norton Museum of Art, overseeing the museum’s Asian collection. [Photo by the Norton Museum of Art]

The Norton Museum of Art has appointed Shawn Yuan as the Elizabeth B. McGraw Senior Curator of Asian Art, responsible for overseeing the museum’s Asian collection. Yuan officially begins his tenure April 7.

The Norton, Florida’s largest art museum, has rich holdings in contemporary, early European and modern art and in photography, alongside its growing collection of Chinese and other Asian art. Yuan’s appointment signals the museum’s commitment to expanding its Asian collection with works from Japan, Korea, India and other countries.

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Yuan joins the Norton from the World Heritage Center in San Antonio. He previously held curatorial positions at institutions including the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art and the Crow Museum of Asian Art at the University of Texas, Dallas. His extensive background includes organizing such critically acclaimed exhibitions as “Samurai Spirit: Swords, Accessories, and Paintings”; “Elegant Pursuits: The Arts of China’s Educated Elite”; and “Radiant Wisdom: Tibetan and Indian Buddhist and Hindu Art.”

In his new role, Yuan will oversee a collection of more than 700 objects, including bronzes, ceramics, lacquerware, porcelain, jades and paintings. Some are more than 3,000 years old and were acquired early in the museum’s history, thanks to founder Ralph Hubbard Norton, who began collecting Chinese art just a year after the museum opened in 1941.

“We are impressed by Shawn’s enthusiasm for our collections and his passion for making these venerable works of art relatable to modern audiences,” says Ghislain d’Humières, the Norton’s Kenneth C. Griffin director and CEO. “His expertise will help us expand the museum’s offerings and reach new audiences through compelling exhibitions and programming.”

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Yuan succeeds Laurie Barnes, who is retiring after 19 years in the job. Barnes significantly expanded the collection and curated notable exhibitions, including “High Tea: Glorious Manifestations East and West.” She acquired rare pieces, including a 10th-century Yue stoneware box and late Ming dynasty festival paintings.

“I have long admired the Norton’s exceptional collection of Asian art,” Yuan says. “It will be an honor to build on this legacy and contribute to the museum’s mission of cultural enrichment.”

To learn more about the Norton Museum of Art and its exhibitions, visit www.norton.org, or call 561-832-5196.