Crystal Bridges and the Momentary Announce Key Leadership Appointments
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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Crystal Bridges and the Momentary announced the appointment of Courtenay Finn as chief curator, Ryan Owen as chief development officer, and Shayne Hart as chief communications and marketing officer. Following the opening of Crystal Bridges’ monumental expansion, these leaders will play a critical role in shaping the museum’s next chapter. They will bring the expertise and vision needed to deepen artistic programming, expand philanthropic support, and elevate the institution's voice and reach, ensuring continued impact for audiences in Northwest Arkansas and beyond.
Courtenay Finn will join the institution on August 24, to lead the curatorial team in collection development and exhibitions, artist and audience engagement across the museum and its 134-acre campus, and art activation at both Crystal Bridges and the Momentary and beyond. Finn comes to Arkansas from the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), where in her role as chief curator and director of programs, she partnered with former CEO and Director Heidi Zuckerman to open the museum’s new Morphosis-designed building and built a program that expanded attendance by more than 200%, including a significant number of first-time museum visitors and newcomers to contemporary art.
At OCMA, Finn led the development of the museum’s collection and ambitious exhibition program, securing more than 100 new acquisitions, including major gifts of works by Joan Brown, Derek Fordjour, Luchita Hurtado, and Yoshitomo Nara. She curated numerous exhibitions including the recent 2025 California Biennial: Desperate, Scared, But Social, which introduced the museum’s new teen initiative, the Orange County Young Curators (OCYC); Deux Femmes: Leonor Fini & Leonora Carrington; Alice Neel: Feels Like Home; Tony Lewis: CASUAL T; Yu Ji: A Guest, a Host, a Ghost; and Fred Eversley: Reflecting Back (the World). Prior to tenure at OCMA, Finn served as chief curator at moCa Cleveland, senior curator at the Aspen Art Museum, and curator at Art in General in New York.
“I am thrilled to be joining the incredible team at Crystal Bridges, especially at this moment of growth and expansion. I have watched the extraordinary work being done since the museum’s founding and I am excited to build on our shared commitment to exhibitions, programs, and initiatives that increase access, spark curiosity, and transform and expand traditional narratives,” said Finn. “I am looking forward to working alongside the talented staff, board, and extended community to advance the organization's mission, expand its impact, and create meaningful connections between artists and audiences across Arkansas and beyond.”
Ryan Owen began leading strategic fundraising initiatives at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary on June 15. Owen is a global philanthropy and impact leader with nearly two decades of experience empowering fundraising teams to perform at the top of their abilities — raising hundreds of millions across organizations working to benefit individuals and communities.
“I’ve been impressed by Crystal Bridges and the Momentary’s clear commitment to access, creativity, and inclusive community, as well as the strength of its team and leadership. I am excited to join the team and look forward to expanding philanthropic support, strengthening relationships with donors and partners, and advancing initiatives that will sustain and grow the institution’s impact over time,” said Owen.
Shayne Hart has been leading the Brand, Marketing, and Communications team since his appointment in February 2026. This multidisciplinary group oversees the integration of brand strategy, communication, creative direction, and marketing for both Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.
With more than 25 years of experience, Hart has worked across every facet of brand strategy, creative leadership, design, and marketing, spanning startups to large-scale corporate evolutions. His career includes key roles in launching independent ventures as well as executive leadership positions within multi-billion-dollar organizations. He has also served as an advisor to artists, nonprofit organizations, and cultural foundations.
Hart’s extensive portfolio includes work with Procter & Gamble, Walmart, NBC | Universal, Walton Family Foundation, Tyson Family Foundation, Mattel, Everytown for Gun Safety, American Eagle/Aerie, Stila, Sunflower Children Foundation, Gap, Inc., Hot Topic, Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, L Brands, Inc., and many more.
Hart’s clients, projects, and ventures have also been featured in the media prominently. This coverage includes Vogue, ELLE Decor, VH1, Bravo, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair, MTV, and more. Hart recently led the team through a comprehensive brand refresh for Crystal Bridges and the opening of the museum’s expansion.
“At this point in my career, it is a real joy to join Crystal Bridges and the Momentary at such a milestone moment. Working with our founder, board chair, and leadership to imagine the bright future of what is truly America’s art museum is an honor. By bringing greater alignment across strategy, storytelling, and creative direction, we’ve been able to more clearly express the institution’s vision and deepen how we connect with our audiences,” said Hart. “This work reflects the strength of a thoughtful, collaborative team with its eyes fully trained on what’s next.”
The three new team members will join the Executive Council, with Finn reporting to Deputy Director, Curatorial Affairs, Austen Bailly; Owen reporting to Jill Wagar, director of the Momentary and senior director, Crystal Bridges; and Hart reporting to Executive Director Rod Bigelow.
“We are delighted to welcome Courtenay, Ryan, and Shayne to our executive leadership team at such a transformative moment for the institution. Each brings a distinct perspective, deep expertise, and a shared commitment to our mission. Together, they will help guide Crystal Bridges and the Momentary into this next phase of growth and impact,” said Bigelow. “I look forward to the leadership, creativity, and vision they will bring as we continue to expand our reach and serve our community in meaningful ways.”
Finn, Owen, and Hart join the museum at a pivotal moment, as Crystal Bridges enters a new chapter marked by the opening of 114,000 square feet of additional space in June 2026. The Momentary continues to serve as the venue for the music, art, and food of our time, with a full slate of indoor and outdoor music, new art exhibitions opening in July, and culinary programming that highlights both national and local chefs. For more information, visit crystalbridges.org and themomentary.org.
About Crystal Bridges
The mission of Crystal Bridges is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Since opening in 2011, the museum has welcomed more than 15 million visitors across its spaces, with no cost for admission. Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization by philanthropist Alice Walton. The collection spans five centuries of American masterworks from early American to current day and is enhanced by temporary exhibitions.
The museum is nestled on 134 acres of Ozark landscape and was designed by the world-renowned Safdie Architects. A rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house was preserved and relocated to the museum grounds in 2015. Crystal Bridges offers public programs including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities, and is the home of the prestigious Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art and Tyson Scholars of American Art Program. Some 558,375 school children have participated in the Willard and Pat Walker School Visit program, which provides educational experiences for school groups at no cost to the schools.
Additional museum amenities include a restaurant, gift store, library, and five miles of art and walking trails. In February 2020, the museum opened the Momentary in Downtown Bentonville (507 SE E Street), a venue for the music, art, and food of our time. Crystal Bridges’ 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public June 6 and 7, 2026, allowing the museum to expand access for all. For more information, visit CrystalBridges.org. The museum is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.
About the Momentary
Opened in February 2020 in Downtown Bentonville, the Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time; and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension of Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is ‘a living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary was founded by the Walton family, based on the vision of Tom, Olivia, and Steuart Walton. Its commitment to cultivating arts and cultural experiences provides more opportunities for education, engagement, and enjoyment in our region. The Momentary welcomes all with free general admission. Offerings include live music by national and regional artists, visual and performing arts, an artist-in-residence program, culinary experiences, such as national and local chef dinners, Onyx Coffee Lab, and the sky-high Tower Bar, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, an outdoor festival space, and a retail shop. For more information, visit theMomentary.org. The Momentary is located at 507 SE E Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712. The Momentary’s Founding Funders are Walton Family Foundation, Walmart, RØDE Microphones, The Coca-Cola Company, Tyson Family Foundation, and Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation.
