SAN ANGELO, TX – The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Seth Hopkins as the Museum’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts is expanding its leadership team; Director of Operations Lynn Shipley will continue in his role. Hopkins will begin working at SAMFA in November, and he brings more than 25 years of distinguished museum leadership experience to San Angelo, according to information provided by SAMFA.
Hopkins is stepping down after 25 years of dedicated service as Executive Director of the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, where his "visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence" transformed the institution from its 2003 opening into one of the nation’s premier art museums. With his guidance, the Booth welcomed more than one million visitors, expanded its physical and artistic scope, hosted landmark exhibitions, introduced innovative educational programming, and established itself as a “must-see” destination.
Working with a talented and dedicated staff, Hopkins has elevated Booth’s profile locally and nationally, while creating a familial network of artists, collectors, gallery owners, curators, and fellow museum professionals.
Among his many accomplishments during his 25-year tenure at the Booth, Hopkins:
- Guided the museum through a major expansion, more than doubling its gallery space and reenvisioning the permanent collection galleries.
- Oversaw the acquisition of hundreds of works by acclaimed historic and contemporary artists such as Charles M. Russell, Howard Terpning, Fritz Scholder, and Glenna Goodacre.
- Curated or co-curated over 100 exhibitions, including The West Observed: The Art of Howard Terpning, Parallel Paths: The Art of Allan Houser and Harry Jackson, and Warhol and the West, based on his Master’s thesis, which traveled to several other venues.
- Helped establish the Museum’s signature triennial series Western American Art South of the Sweet Tea Line.
- Launched award-winning programs for students and adults, including docent-led gallery tours, virtual field trips, artist talks, and hands-on workshops.
- Elevated the Booth’s recognition, earning Smithsonian Affiliate status, membership in the Museums West Consortium, and the distinction of being named “Best Art Museum in America” by the USA Today 10Best Readers Poll in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
- Secured more than $10 million in philanthropic support, in addition to art donations valued at least twice that amount.
Board Leadership and Continuity
Hopkins will join Lynn Shipley, SAMFA’s Director of Operations, who will continue in his current role. Shipley’s leadership has helped form a strong core team of staff at SAMFA, and his ongoing guidance will ensure a seamless transition as SAMFA expands its leadership, information states.
“We are beyond thrilled to be having someone of Seth’s talents and experience join the SAMFA team” said Brie Perks, SAMFA Board Chairwoman. “Seth will bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record in museum leadership, strategic growth and community engagement. We are confident Seth's leadership will be instrumental in leading our museum into its next chapter of growth and innovation while building upon our legacy and helping us continue to thrive.”
Hopkins Looks Ahead
Hopkins expressed his enthusiasm about joining the San Angelo community:
“This Museum has a 40-year history of service to The Concho Valley area, and I look forward to building on that legacy, finding continual ways to use the power of art to impact the lives of both young people and lifelong learners," he said "I am profoundly grateful for the support of those who have made every day at the Booth so meaningful. I am sad to be leaving them but also excited by a new challenge. I can’t wait to get there and get started.”
About the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts is located at 1 Love Street in downtown San Angelo, Texas. The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts is committed to enriching lives through art and believes that art is for everyone. Since its founding in 1985, SAMFA has presented more than 500 exhibitions, provided free family programs, and developed nationally recognized outreach efforts serving rural communities throughout West Texas.
SAMFA is currently hosting The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality. This exhibit is on view through January 4, 2026 and features 87 hats and headdresses from 42 countries. This exhibit celebrates the stunning diversity of world cultures.
Museum Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Monday.
Admission: $5 adults, $2 seniors, free for students, military, children, and SAMFA members.
For more information, please visit www.samfa.org.
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