WAM Appoints New Director Of Education And Experience

From WAM: The Worcester Art Museum (WAM) today announced that Marnie P. Weir has been appointed the Museum’s Director of Education and Experience. Ms. Weir comes to WAM from The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City, where she most recently held the position of Director of Public Education & Visitor Services. Ms. Weir will begin work at the Museum on October 22nd. She replaces Marcia Lagerwey, PhD, who is moving into a part-time role after more than 30 years in Education and Audience Engagement at WAM.

In her role as Director of Education and Experience, Ms. Weir will oversee the Education and Experience Division, which encompasses the full scope of educational and public programs for all audiences, as well as classes for adults, youth, and teens, and includes both administrative staff, 47 part-time studio art faculty, and 60 volunteer docents. In addition, she will work closely with the curatorial and exhibition teams on strategy, planning, and interpretation; lead the museum-wide Audience Experience Work Group, which makes sure all activities are connected with a positive guest experience; serve as a key community liaison for the Museum; and implement and maintain an ongoing system of quantitative and qualitative evaluation and documentation of education programs, interpretation, and events.

“Marnie’s experience in developing and implementing innovative programs that engage a wide variety of audiences dovetails with the momentum at WAM and throughout the city of Worcester in removing economic, physical, and intellectual barriers to art and culture,” said Matthias Waschek, C. Jean and Myles McDonough Director of the Worcester Art Museum. “As a member of the Museum’s leadership team, Marnie will play a vital role in ensuring that we fulfill our mission of connecting people, communities, and cultures through the experience of art.”

“Science agrees that we learn best when engaged both intellectually and emotionally with materials, ideas, and people. Throughout my career, I have committed myself to the work of strengthening museums' roles as public institutions. This commitment is bolstered by a fervent belief that education, art, and the humanities are mutually affirming sparks needed to foster interactive learning that inspires discourse and community. I have witnessed firsthand the incredible cultural assets of Worcester, and look forward to applying my experience in museum education toward the success of this great institution,” said Ms. Weir.

Ms. Weir, a Worcester native, received a Master of Science degree in Museum Education from Bank Street College of Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Hobart & William Smith Colleges. She also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at the Cuttyhunk Historical Society and Museum of the Elizabeth Islands.

Image via Charlene Arsenault