LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The first director of the Sheldon Museum of Art on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus has died at the age of 98.

Norman Geske died Saturday.

Geske helped create the Sheldon in 1963 as part of his job as director of the University of Nebraska’s art galleries. He oversaw construction of the Sheldon’s landmark building and developed its collection.

Filmaker Laurie Richards who made a movie about Geske’s life says he helped develop an artistic culture in Nebraska that inspired Richards and other artists.

Geske was a leading researcher on painter Ralph Albert Blakelock who worked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He also helped create the Interstate 80 Bicentennial Sculpture Project.

Geske was a native of Sioux City, Iowa.