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Media Contact: Kelly Ricaurte
Keene State College
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Keene State College Names Brian Wallace as Director of Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery
Wallace Brings 26 Years of Experience in the Arts as Director and Curator
Keene, NH, April 23, 2015: Keene State College announces Mr. Brian Wallace as the new director of the Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery. He takes over for Maureen Ahern, who is retiring from the position after 34 years. Wallace brings 26 years of experience working in the arts to his role at the Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery. Wallace currently serves as curator and academic liaison for art and artifacts at Bryn Mawr College. In this role, Wallace works closely with faculty and students to integrate arts and academics, leads the gallery through planning and other administrative processes, organizes a series of exhibitions and public programs, and actively participates in raising funds to support the gallery. He also spearheaded the creation of a BA/MA program in curatorial and museum studies. Wallace will begin to serve as director of the Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery at Keene State College on June 15, 2015.
“We are very pleased to welcome Brian to Keene State this summer, as we approach the fiftieth anniversary of the Thorne. His experience in the arts, and his proven success in, and passion for, integrating the arts with academics, made him the clear choice. He also brings an incredible enthusiasm that we will all enjoy. We have much to celebrate during this year of reflection and change for the gallery,” said Keene State College Dean of Arts and Humanities, Dr. Andy Harris.
From 1989 to the present, Wallace has held curatorial and leadership roles in museums and academic institutions on both the East Coast and West Coast. His career includes the role of curator at the Bellevue Art Museum in Washington State, director of exhibitions at the Paley and Levy Galleries at the Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, and curator of The Dorsky Museum at the State University of New York, New Paltz. He also currently serves on the board of the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries.
“The Monadnock Region’s past and current creative communities form a powerful base for the Thorne-Sagendorph’s second half-century of artistic exploration and excellence. I’m looking forward to partnering with artists, educators, students, and community members – and with longstanding and emerging audiences and supporters – on projects that will bring together the Thorne’s many audiences and friends,” said Wallace.
Wallace earned a BA in History at Ithaca College, and an MA in Curatorial Studies at Bard College.
About Keene State College
Keene State College is a preeminent public liberal arts college that ensures student access to world-class academic programs. Integrating academics with real-world application and active community and civic engagement, Keene State College prepares graduates to meet society’s challenges by thinking critically, acting creatively, and serving the greater good. To learn more about Keene State College, visit www.keene.edu.
Keene State College: Wisdom to make a difference.
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Categories: AAMG Press Release, General Announcement