Search for New Executive Director to Begin in January, with Goal of Selecting Successor by May 2027 

LUX Center for the Arts announced today that Joe Shaw, who has led the organization for the past 7 years and been part of LUX for 12, will retire as Executive Director effective May 31, 2027.

Under Shaw's leadership, LUX has grown into a regional arts leader, expanding its reach and deepening its impact across Lincoln and Southeast Nebraska. Highlights of his tenure include: 

∙Helped create and grow the Art Scholar program, which has awarded nearly 1,000 scholarships to young artists at Title I schools 
∙Strengthening the Artist-in-Residence program with expanded support and better pay for participating artists 
∙Growing LUX's staff from 5 to 9 full-time employees and 6 part-time employees 
∙Helped to expand LUX's summer camps to serve up to 800 children annually 
∙Sustaining staff and artist employment throughout the pandemic through innovative art programming 
∙Leading efforts to bring economic development through the arts to University Place, including a growing collection of murals and public art installations 

"Joe has always been someone who thinks about what’s possible for LUX. His willingness to dream big and pursue new ideas has helped the organization grow its reach and imagine new ways to serve artists, young people, and our community," said Board Chair Jena Nicole Lambert. "Twelve years of leadership leaves a meaningful imprint on an organization, and I’m grateful for Joe’s commitment to LUX and to making creativity accessible throughout Lincoln."

"Leading LUX has been one of the great privileges of my life," said Shaw. "I’ve watched this organization grow into something larger and more impactful than I could have imagined, and I’m endlessly grateful to the staff, artists, donors, partners, and board members who made that possible. I leave knowing LUX will be in wonderful hands, with a staff second to none and a community that believes deeply in the power of creativity."

LUX's Board of Directors has developed a succession plan and will begin the search process for a new Executive Director in January, with the goal of selecting a successor by May, 2027. Board Member Adam Morfeld will lead the search, joined by Board Chair Jena Nicole Lambert, Board Member Pedro Aguero, Board Member Eric Savaiano, and community leaders Jennifer Cintani and Victoria Grasso.

“Joe Shaw’s steady leadership has led to an incredible expansion of programming and services to LUX patrons and visitors but to the broader community as well, said Morfeld. “We appreciate not only his leadership but ensuring a steady transition to find a new leader who will build on Joe’s work and leadership. The executive director position will be opened in January of 2027 with a transition planned in late Spring.” 

LUX Center for the Arts remains committed to its mission of nurturing creativity, supporting working artists, and providing arts education access throughout the Lincoln community.

About LUX Center for the Arts 
Nearing its’ 50th year, LUX Center for the Arts is Lincoln's community arts center, offering year-round classes in ceramics, painting, glass, printmaking, and more—reaching nearly 3,000 people annually, including 800 children in summer camps. Its Artists-in-Residence and fellowship programs support emerging artists, while free exhibitions across five galleries showcase professional, community, and student work. LUX extends its reach through outreach to Title I schools and community partners, events like Summerfest and Winterfest, and public art initiatives that helped establish Lincoln's first creative district in University Place—all working to bring creativity and connection to the community. 

Media Contact: 
Gabe Rivera  
Michele Peon Casanova 
402-466-8692 
Gabriel@luxcenter.org 
Michele@luxcenter.org