GRINNELL COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART
Susan Baley Named Director of Grinnell College Museum of Art
Baley is currently Executive Director of 108 Contemporary, a non-profit community arts center in Tulsa, Oklahoma that celebrates fine crafts and the works of contemporary craft artists through exhibitions, programming and classes. Prior to 108 Contemporary, Baley served as Executive Director and Curator at the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute, Indiana where she distinguished herself by expanding programs and staffing, and by the enthusiasm and support her staff had for her leadership.
Baley previously served 17 years as director of education at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum at the University of Oklahoma. Under her tenure, Baley built the education department from two employees to five, increased student attendance, built audience engagement, and established a number of external partnerships and networks, including the first statewide forum on arts education, organized through the Oklahoma Arts Council. While there, she also served as an adjunct faculty in the School of Art and Art History.
Interim Dean of the College and Vice President for Academic Affairs Elaine Marzluff, who co-chaired the search committee, said, “We were all impressed with the depth and breadth of Susan’s museum career. She brings experience in all the areas that our museum is prioritizing: deepening engagement with students and faculty in museum activities; growing and implementing programs that serve diverse community audiences locally, regionally, and online; and building the museum’s reputation and engagement with contemporary art and artists. She has also overseen building renovation projects and expanded staffing. She is well-positioned to guide the Grinnell College Museum of Art beyond its foundational first twenty-plus years.”
Baley was selected after a national search, with the enthusiastic support of the search committee and the endorsement of President Anne Harris. Baley will take over from former director Lesley Wright, who has led the museum since its opening in 1999. Wright will retire at the end of 2021.
