The Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke has a new executive director, but Cindy Petersen is also among the facility’s long serving-staff members.
Prior to her new role, she spent the last six years working to boost the Taubman’s educational mission, through exhibits and classes, serving as the deputy director of education and visitor engagement. Now Petersen is helping take some of those exhibits on the road, and helped start up Art Venture, an interactive discovery center for young people.
She says the Taubman emphasizes a ‘visitor first’ approach in everything it does.
“It’s that creative mindset behind the innovative ideas, everything from the integration of the arts with movement and art, theater and sculpture – painting, drawing, and community,” she said.
The museum has existed under different names since 1951. The Taubman will celebrate ten years at its current location this November.
Current exhibits include ‘Play: Toys Reimagined as Art’, on display in the Special Exhibition Gallery through February 18. Upcoming ones at the Taubman include ‘Drive! Iconic American Cars and Motorcycles’, from September 8 to February 3, 2019.
The public is invited to a drop-in 'Coffee with the New Executive Director' on Thursday, January 25, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Petersen calls the event an informal meet and greet.
