The Addison Gallery of American Art, located on the campus of Phillips Academy in Andover, has selected Rebecca L. Hayes as curator of education.
Hayes brings to the Addison 17 years of experience at such institutions as the Peabody Essex Museum, the Williams College Museum of Art, the American Folk Art Museum in New York, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Brian T. Allen, the Addison's Mary Stripp and R. Crosby Kemper Director noted, "Because of the Addison's deep commitment to partnering with regional schools and organizations, as well as serving the Phillips Academy community, Rebecca's expertise in working with students of all ages to develop visual and critical thinking skills and her ability to build partnerships with teachers and administrators from a wide range of community organizations made her a standout applicant. We are thrilled to have her leading our education department."
Rebecca follows Julie Bernson, who accepted the position of deputy director for learning and engagement at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, in March, after a 17-year tenure at the Addison.
A Merrimack Valley native, Rebecca also brings a special appreciation for the Addison to the post, because she worked at the Addison previously, as the education outreach coordinator.
"It's wonderful to be back at the Addison Gallery of American Art after 16 years. The Addison's incredible collection and innovative exhibitions make the museum a unique part of Phillips Academy, the local community, and the larger world," she said in a release. "Our mission as a teaching museum and commitment to sharing the collection with as broad an audience as possible is what inspired my career in museum education. I'm so happy to have this opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues and friends in the community and heartened to see that our local partnerships from 16 years ago continue to flourish as new ones develop."
The Addison describes itself as "committed to serving the public through educational programs that reach diverse audiences, including teachers, students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, college classes, and adults." All Addison education programs are offered free of charge.
