Scott Wilcox, the museum\u2019s chief operating officer, will serve as interim director while the board searches for a permanent replacement.<\/p>\n
During Walker\u2019s tenure, the Carter expanded its collections and endowment<\/a>, renovated its galleries<\/a> and launched new initiatives to bring art into the Fort Worth community, officials said.\u00a0<\/p>\n In 2019, he oversaw a renovation that widened exhibition spaces<\/a> and added a website that allowed its visitors to explore the museum\u2019s collection online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Carter expanded its photography vaults and opened the Gentling Study Center<\/a>, which supports research into under-studied American artists.<\/p>\n Walker emphasized local outreach during his leadership, museum officials said in a statement.\u00a0<\/p>\n He prioritized access to art for everyone, Wilcox said, creating new paths of engagement with visitors through the community and championing acquisitions by a wide array of American artists.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHis impact will be felt at the Carter for years to come, and also throughout Fort Worth,\u201d Wilcox said in a statement to the Report.<\/p>\n In 2018, the museum launched the Carter Community Artists initiative<\/a>, which connects area artists with the public<\/a>. The museum also developed partnerships across North Texas to expand its reach beyond Fort Worth, officials said.<\/p>\n Exhibitions under his tenure reflected a push to broaden the story of American art by diversifying the museum\u2019s collection, the statement said.\u00a0<\/p>\n For example, he spearheaded a photography initiative that amplified Indigenous contributions to American art<\/a>, bringing in work from more than 10 Native American photographers.<\/p>\n In 2024, the museum drew attention with \u201cCowboy<\/a>,\u201d a show that challenged stereotypes of Western culture by featuring works that presented cowboys as Black, Asian American, Native, LGBTQIA+ and women.<\/p>\n The exhibition sparked conversation <\/a>in Fort Worth after the Carter suddenly closed it briefly and then reopened it with a \u201cmature content\u201d warning.\u00a0<\/p>\n Museum leaders said at the time they wanted visitors to preview the works in advance after receiving feedback. \u201cCowboy\u201d remained on view through March 2025.<\/p>\n Notable exhibitions under Walker<\/p>\n Museum trustees will begin a national search for Walker\u2019s successor in the coming weeks.\u00a0<\/p>\n Matthew Sgroi is an education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at matthew.sgroi@fortworthreport.org<\/a> or @matthewsgroi1<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n
![\"Creative](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1750614464_36_cc-by-nd-4.0.png\"\/)
<\/a><\/p>\n