During his several decades in the museum world, including the highly regarded Wellesley College’s Davis Museum and Carnegie Museum of Art, Dennis McFadden has always been drawn to the smaller institutions of art. Part of this is due to the unique intimacy they create in their modest galleries, but also for their intellectual nimbleness. Those are some of the reasons there seems to be a perfect fit with the Academy Art Museum‘s aspirations and Mr. McFadden’s commitment to art education.
In his first interview with the Spy, the new AAM director talks about his background, opinions on small museums, and his hopes for AAM over the next few years.
The new director is a native of Bethlehem, Pa. He received his undergraduate education at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis. and earned a Master of Architecture degree and completed additional graduate study in Art History at Columbia University.
Mr. McFadden is married to Judith Hull, an architectural historian who holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University in architectural history. Her areas of specialization include modern and American architecture, architecture in the Nordic countries, landscape design, and women in the design professions.
Carla Massoni says
Welcome, Mr. McFadden! And, thank you Spy for this informative interview. I wish you could see the big smile on my face. A breath of fresh air for the Academy Art Museum. The AAM is near and dear to my heart and Mr. McFadden spoke eloquently to its strengths: superb hands-on arts training, terrific children’s programming, sophisticated exhibitions and a growing permanent collection. Under Mr. McFadden’s leadership the Academy can continue to mine the assets – both historical and cultural – that a small “regional” museum can do so well. Although I live in Chestertown, I consider the AAM to be “my” museum and would hope to see continued outreach throughout the Eastern Shore. Bravo to the AAM Board and Selection Committee – I think you have found us a winner!!
Jim Urda says
Sorry to show my ignorance, but where is the Academy Art Museum ???
editor says
Thanks Jim. Easton. We’ll put in a link.