University of Utah arts museum director resigns

Utah Museum of Fine Arts director David Dee has stepped down, after four years at the University of Utah.

In a recent statement to U. College of Fine Arts Dean Raymond Tymas-Jones, Dee said he was grateful for the support of the college and "the privilege of leading the UMFA through an unprecedented period of growth and accomplishment."

Dee has decided to return to full-time curatorial duties and said he looks forward to focusing on the area of art he loves most, as the curator of the UMFA's Asian art collection.

During the past four years, Dee worked to bring to the UMFA world-class collections, including the recent exhibition of works ranging from Monet to Picasso, and the museum's current American Indian exhibit, "Splendid Heritage."

Gretchen Dietrich, current director of public programs and curatorial affairs at the museum, has been asked to serve as interim director while the school conducts a national search for a new director. Dietrich has extensive museum experience at locations across the country and has worked in the field of art museums for 19 years.