The Iowa Museum Association (IMA) has presented the 2025 Rising Star Award to Julia Jessen, curator of collections and exhibitions at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (CRMA). According to the IMA, the Rising Star Award recognizes emerging professionals who have made “significant contributions to the museum field of Iowa, demonstrating exceptional dedication to audience engagement and community outreach.”
Jessen began working for the CRMA as the museum’s sole curator in 2023. Since then, she has played a vital role in attracting a wider audience through the creation of new exhibits, innovative programming, and fostering community connections.
One of the exhibits curated by Jessen, “Land/Scape: Climate, the Environment, and Beyond,” attracted nearly 400 visitors to its opening reception. She also leads programs that enhance community engagement, including “Love Bites,” “Grant Wood in Focus,” and the “Art Lovers Book Club.”
“Julia’s expertise, enthusiasm, and deep commitment to making art accessible have been transformative for our museum,” says Sean Ulmer, executive director of CRMA, in a prepared statement. “Her work not only attracts new audiences but also deepens the experience for longtime visitors. This award is a well-deserved recognition of her impact, and I have no doubt she has a bright future in the museum field.”
Previous positions held by Jessen include roles at the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa; the Minneapolis Institute of Art in Minnesota; and the University of Iowa Museum of Art in Iowa City. She is a member of the American Alliance of Museums and the IMA. iowamuseums.org
Main Image: Julia Jessen; Credit: Iowa Museum Association
