Three Toledo area women have been named to positions in the recently reorganized education department at the Toledo Museum of Art, Director Brian Kennedy has announced.
Following a national search, Dr. Katherina Danko-McGhee joins the staff as director of education, and Dr. Leanne Gilbertson becomes curator of education, both effective Aug. 29. In addition, staff member Lori Foshag, who served as interim director of education for nearly a year, has been named manager of community programs.
Danko-McGhee comes to the Museum from the University of Toledo where she was a professor of early childhood art education. “The Museum is fortunate to find this very talented individual within our community,” Kennedy said. “Kathy is an esteemed expert in early childhood education. Her awards, honors and publications are both numerous and indicative of her dedication and recognition in the art education field.”
Danko-McGhee will lead the Museum’s efforts to be in the forefront of teaching visual literacy. Proponents of visual literacy, or “learning how to look,” say that keen observational skills are not only essential to understanding, creating and appreciating art, but they also enhance our ability to see, analyze and understand other aspects of the ever-changing world around us.
No stranger to the Museum, Danko-McGhee has worked with TMA staff to develop the curriculum for the Family Center and other early childhood classes currently offered. In demand as a presenter for national and international conferences in her field, she recently coordinated the fourth International Art in Early Childhood Conference hosted by the University of Toledo Center for the Visual Arts and the Museum.
The Toledo Museum of Art believes in the power of art to ignite the imagination, stimulate thought and provide enjoyment. Through our collection and programs, we strive to integrate art into the lives of people.
The Toledo Museum of Art is a nonprofit arts institution funded through individual donations, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and investments. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund programs at the Toledo Museum of Art through a sustainable grant program that encourages economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
Admission to the Museum is free. The Museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 6 p.m.; closed Mondays and major holidays. Friday evening hours are made possible by Fifth Third Bank.
The Museum is located at 2445 Monroe Street at Scottwood Avenue, just west of the downtown business district and one block off I-75 with exit designations posted.
For general information, visitors can call 419-255-8000 or 800-644-6862, or visit www.toledomuseum.org