Rochester Art Center press release

PRESS RELEASE CONTACT:Naura Anderson | Public Programs & Marketing Director507-424-3318 | nanderson@rochesterartcenter.orgStephen Troutman | President, RAC Board of Directorss.troutman@alumni.usc.eduFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2012Rochester, MN – Rochester Art Center appoints Shannon Fitzgerald as Executive DirectorThe Rochester Art Center Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Shannon Fitzgerald asthe Art Center’s new Executive Director. “Shannon has deep roots in the contemporary art world and a passion forcommunity. We feel confident that under her leadership, we will sustain the Art Center’s reputation for world class artexhibitions and programming.” said Stephen Troutman, Board President and Chair of the Search Committee. “AndShannon will lead us to new levels of engagement within the Rochester communities, a key part of our mission,”continued Troutman. Following an extensive national search, several finalist were identified and interviewed includingcandidates from Rochester. She will begin her tenure on July 9, 2012. “I am thrilled to be joining Rochester Art Center and delighted for the opportunity to work with such a dynamic and loyal Board of Directors and talented staff. I look forward to building upon the many accomplishments of the Center in fulfilling and advancing its mission to achieve an even higher level of excellence and impact” said Fitzgerald. She continues “Rochester Art Center is truly a vital part of the community and boasts a robust and innovative exhibition and education program. I am honored to begin my work on deepening the Art Center’s commitment to Rochester and the region, while also broadening its reach, visibility, and participation in the international arts community.”Shannon Fitzgerald is a distinguished contemporary art curator, museum professional, writer, and educator whosehighly acclaimed work focuses on international emerging and mid-career artists and thinkers. She has producedoriginal exhibitions, projects, and essays with a prestigious roster of artists including Polly Apfelbaum, RadcliffeBailey, Michael Paul Britto, Jill Downen, Dzine, Yun-Fei Ji, Larry Krone, Michael Lin, Julie Moos, Zwelethu Mthethwa,Karyn Olivier, Ruby Osorio, Keith Piper, William Pope.L, Liz Rodda, Allison Schulnik, Mary Ann Strandell, Catharinavan Eetvelde, and Marina Zurkow, among others.She was formerly Chief Curator at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM) where she oversaw the exhibitionand publication programs. At CAM, she conceptualized and co-curated the inaugural and traveling exhibition AFiction of Authenticity: Contemporary Africa Abroad (with Tumelo Mosaka) which launched the museum’s program inits new building. The exhibition included new commissioned projects by artists Siemon Allen, Fatma Charfi, Godfried40 Civic Center Drive SE | Rochester, MN 55904 USA ph 507-282-8629 fax 507-282-7737 www.rochesterartcenter.org

Donkor, Mary Evans, Meschac Gaba, Kendell Geers, Moshekwa Langa, Ingrid Mwangi, Odili Donald Odita, Owusu-Ankomah, and Zenib Sedira. During her tenure, Fitzgerald also developed education and community outreachinitiatives, planned public lectures and symposia, oversaw a national visiting curator & critic series, and created aninternational and national artist-in-residence program.Before joining CAM in St. Louis, Fitzgerald held a curatorial appointment at the Institute of Visual Arts (Inova), atthe University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she participated in its ambitious and groundbreaking internationalKunsthalle-style programming that featured many of the most significant artists in the field. She has taught arthistory at Webster University (St. Louis, MO), the University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond, OK), and ColumbusState University (Columbus, GA) as the 2010 Visiting Scholar-in-Residence. She earned her master’s degree in ArtHistory and Museum Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Milwaukee) and her Bachelor’s degree inArt History from Massachusetts College of Art and Design (Boston).Fitzgerald has generated new scholarship, commissioned critical essays from leading scholars, and edited numerousmuseum publications. She has published many essays on the work of contemporary artists and has contributedto the art journals ART PAPERS, Bootprint, Review Magazine, and Art21:Blog. She is the Lead Mentor for theOklahoma Art Writing & Curatorial Fellowship, a program she co-developed for the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition,Oklahoma City, that works to advance critical art writing and contemporary curatorial practice in the region.About Rochester Art CenterVisionTo be a cultural center for innovation and creativity through contemporary art.MissionThe Rochester Art Center offers the opportunity for all people to understand and value the arts through innovativeexperiences with contemporary art. Through world-class exhibitions and programs, we present a welcoming,integrated, and diverse experience that encourages questioning, creativity, and critical thinking. These exhibitionsand programs are designed to reflect the dynamic relationship between art and society. They educate, challenge,and connect individuals to our world in compelling new ways. We are committed to being a cultural center in ourcommunity and to enhancing our region as a destination for creativity and innovation. We provide value throughengagement with broad communities, strong collaborations with other organizations, and a history of excellence.40 Civic Center Drive SE | Rochester, MN 55904 USA ph 507-282-8629 fax 507-282-7737 www.rochesterartcenter.org

http://www.postbulletin.com	174
http://postbulletin.com	148

Rochester Art Center press release

by Post-Bulletin Co. on Jun 13, 2012

Accessibility

Categories

Upload Details

Usage Rights

2 Embeds 322

Statistics

Rochester Art Center press release Document Transcript