Marilyn Zeitlin, director of the ASU Art Museum, is stepping down this year.
Zeitlin, who has been the director and chief curator at the museum for the last 15 years, said it was time for her to step down and do something new.
She said she is leaving partly due to the increased amount of administrative work that has outweighed her time in the art field.
"I worked 14 hour days, weekends and nights," she said. "I was spending all my time at the museum doing administrative stuff."
Her true passion is working with artists, the different works of art, collectors and especially getting new people interested in art, she said.
"The University is a place where big ideas need to be explored and challenged," she added.
Even though Zeitlin is leaving her position at the museum, she has no intention of slowing down.
"I'm leaving the University and museum but not my professional life," she said.
Zeitlin said she is looking forward to having more time for herself. She plans to spend her time writing, traveling, researching and freelancing.
Although excited to take the next step forward, Zeitlin said she would miss the faculty and those who came to visit the museum.
"I'll miss the presence of students," Zeitlin said. "They are always curious."
Heather Lineberry, a senior curator at the museum who has 17 years of experience, will take over as art director.
"I have great confidence in her," Zeitlin said. "She will do a great job."
Zeitlin's last day will be Dec. 30.
"I think at a certain point everyone needs to graduate," Zeitlin said.
"It's my turn."
Reach the reporter at: alexandra.layman@asu.edu.
