by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

Jill Wagar, a member of the founding executive team of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, is the new director at the Momentary, a Crystal Bridges sister organization in the city featuring contemporary arts and an entertainment venue.

Museum officials announced Wagar’s appointment Tuesday (Nov. 7) following a national search of nearly two years. Lieven Bertels was the founding director when the Momentary opened in February 2020. He departed in the spring of 2022.

According to the news release, Wagar was the interim director for the past several months as the venue hosted several events, including Format Festival and Live on the Green.

The Momentary names longtime Crystal Bridges executive Jill Wagar new director