(New York, September 22, 2020) — The Board of Trustees of the American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) is pleased to announce the election of two new members: Seol Park and Willet Bracken Evans. The election took place at the September 22 meeting of the board and was announced by Elizabeth V. Warren, the museum’s board president. Both will serve as elective trustees.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome to our board two noteworthy individuals,” said President Warren. “The board will be strengthened immeasurably through their expertise, wide-ranging interests, and unique points of view. I look forward to working with Seol and Will.”
American Folk Art Museum Director Jason T. Busch commented, “Both Seol and Will cherish the museum and its mission. As we approach AFAM’s sixtieth anniversary in 2021, they will bring a fresh perspective as we continue to provide the museum’s growing and diverse audiences with greater exposure to self-taught art across time and place.”
Seol Park
Ms. Park leads a unique career at the intersection of branding, technology, and art. Her brand
development and art advisory credentials span a broad spectrum, from global giants such as
Microsoft, Chevron, Swire, and INTEL to art institutions such as Christie’s, Art Basel Hong
Kong, Palm Beach Show Group, and private art & antique dealerships. Currently Ms. Park
guides global branding of LG — A home & mobility innovator and global market leader in household appliances, OLED, electric vehicle technologies, healthcare and cosmetics — with emphasis on digital expressions and cultural engagement. Also a recognized producer of original augmented reality content herself, she serves on the XR experts panel for The Art Newspaper. Ms. Park obtained a master’s degree in American Fine and Decorative Art at Sotheby’s Institute, who named her on its 2019 list of “4 Under 40.” She maintains dual residency in Seoul, Korea and New York City
Willet Bracken Evans
Will and his wife, Mary, are avid collectors of Folk Art, militaria – particularly United States Marine Corps militaria – Texas art, photography and Outsider Art. Will served in the United States Marine Corps from 1978 to 1984. He worked for 25 years in the Commercial Real Estate Market, first with Grubb and Ellis, and then with CBRE, as a Senior Vice-President. Will earned the prestigious CCIM Designation in 1997 and retired in 2010 to manage family-owned assets. Will and Mary call Dallas home, but travel extensively to antique shows, auctions, gallery openings, museum exhibits, and flea markets across the United States and Europe. They share a passion for collecting and enjoy sharing their travels and acquisitions via social media. Will has been collecting since his teenage years and cherishes the deep friendships he has made throughout the collecting world.
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About the American Folk Art Museum
Since 1961, the American Folk Art Museum has been the leading institution shaping the understanding of art by the self-taught through its exhibitions, publications, and educational programs. As a center of scholarship, it showcases the creativity of individuals whose singular talents have been refined through personal experience rather than formal artistic training. Its collection includes more than eight thousand works of art from four centuries and nearly every continent—from compelling portraits and dazzling quilts to powerful works by living artists in a variety of mediums. The museum will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2021.