North Columbus News

Rebecca Lowery, an experienced curator with a background at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, has assumed her new role as curator of exhibitions at the Wexner Center for the Arts. Her appointment became public knowledge following a conversation during a trip to Japan.

Lowery expressed her excitement about joining an art museum affiliated with The Ohio State University. "For years, when colleagues and friends asked what I saw for my professional future, I always talked about an art museum set within an academic community," she stated. "This has been the goal. I’m thrilled."

Gaëtane Verna, executive director of the Wexner Center for the Arts, praised Lowery's enthusiasm and experience: “Her enthusiasm for being part of a university-based, multidisciplinary arts center made her stand out. She will help us build on our track record as a laboratory for talent development, rooted in critical thinking and experimental practice.”

Lowery is familiar with challenging exhibition spaces, having worked at MOCA in Los Angeles, designed by Arata Isozaki. She noted that adapting to such unique spaces is crucial: “The key is to figure out what fits the building,” she said.

She also highlighted the importance of workplace culture at her new position: “What I see now at the Wex...is a team that is actively working to build a lasting positive work culture,” she said.

Lowery aims to foster collaboration between the Wexner Center and various academic departments at Ohio State University. She mentioned exploring potential partnerships beyond traditional art departments: “I looked into programs across the university and considered who could be thought collaborators,” she explained.

Regarding public engagement with art, Lowery emphasized accessibility: “I’m a big believer...in making sure that your exhibition aids – labels, signs, explanations – are legible.” She believes in fostering curiosity among visitors: “A sense of curiosity goes a long way.”

Ultimately, Lowery hopes to make exhibitions at the Wexner Center welcoming and accessible to all audiences. “The art is bringing people together, stimulating thought and curiosity," she said.