Lia Newman

Davidson College has hired Lia Newman as director of the William H. Van Every/Edward M. Smith Galleries at Belk Visual Arts Center in downtown Davidson. She starts her job Jan. 2, and comes to Davidson from Artspace Inc., in Raleigh, where she has been director of programs and exhibitions since 2002.

Ms. Newman is a permanent replacement for previous director Brad Thomas, who left last January for a job at the Mint Museum.

Ms. Newman graduated from Winthrop University with a bachelor’s degree in art history and bachelor of fine arts degree in general studio, with concentrations in sculpture and photography. She then earned a master’s degree in liberal studies from Duke University.

Professor Shaw Smith, interim chair of the Davidson Art Department, said, “Newman brings a great deal of energy and significant experience in the contemporary art world to our program.”

“Her education gives her great insight into the fundamental role of the art gallery in a small liberal arts setting, while her sustained experience at Artspace demonstrates her loyalty to the profession and interest in a wide range of gallery and art practices.”

As part of her duties, Ms. Newman will manage the college’s permanent art collection, which consists of 3,200 works spanning five centuries and serves as a research resource for students and members of the community. She will also help direct expansion of the Campus Sculpture Program.