New Chief Curator at museum

     (AAPNW-OH) – After a year-long national search, Janice Driesbach has joined the staff as Akron Art Museum’s new Chief Curator. “It is an honor to join the Akron Art Museum as chief curator.  I am eager to work with the museum’s strong and dynamic collection and to undertake new collaborations,” Driesbach said. “I look forward to working with the talented and dedicated staff and volunteers, engaging with art and artists, and becoming part of the Akron community.”

     A native of Lakewood, Ohio, Driesbach has worked as both a curator and museum director. After an undergraduate degree in art history and political science from Allegheny College, she received her M.A. in art history from University of Iowa, where she studied with art historian Frank Seiberling (son of Goodyear founder F.A. Seiberling). She later worked at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento as Curator of Art and held two museum directorships, at the Sheldon Museum of Art at the University of Nebraska and the Dayton Art Institute.

     A specialty in American art, Jan has spearheaded numerous collaborations among cultural institutions on a variety of topics. She has also helped to develop the collection of American contemporary sculpture at UN and in Sacramento expanded institutional holdings of regional art, a dual approach that mirrors Akron’s commitment to both regional art and developments elsewhere.

      “Jan’s experience in museum management will be an immense asset as we move forward… said Fred Bidwell, president of the museum’s Board of Trustees.

      Her husband John is a printmaker and is a retired professor of art from California State University-Sacramento, where he earlier served as chair of the art department. Their two daughters live in Chicago and Fort Collins.

     About: “The Akron Art Museum is dedicated to enriching lives through modern art, showcases regional, national and international art created since 1850. The museum’s collection houses over 5,000 objects. Particular areas of strength include contemporary painting and sculpture and 20th century photography. Nearly a dozen exhibitions each year present prominent artists in various media including painting, sculpture, photography, video, design and glass. In addition to its ever-changing collection and exhibitions, the museum offers many opportunities to discover new perspectives through dynamic programs that include films and videos, lectures, workshops, tours and concerts.”