Riverside CA – The Riverside Art Museum (RAM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Drew Ellyn Oberjuerge to the position of Executive Director of RAM, which became effective March 13, 2012.
“We are pleased and excited to have such a talented and energetic new director and look forward to working with Drew as she helps us maintain and grow our outreach to the community through our education programs and exhibits,” said Board President, Sue Simonin.
Ms. Oberjuerge brings with her professional experience at nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Riverside. Most recently, she started Jefferson Transitional Programs’ Art Works project, which brings the creative arts to hundreds of individuals throughout Riverside County who carry a mental health diagnosis. Under her leadership, Art Works received recognition for its innovative approach to engaging participants and educating the community about effective mental health policies.
“I am very gratified that our search committee conducted a nationwide search and selected the right candidate to lead this grand institution into a bright future,” said Greg Adamson, Interim Director. “Drew has the training, strength, leadership, and creativity to build on RAM’s past success with fresh programming that will engage the community in a variety of new cultural experiences. I am beyond thrilled to have her on board.”
Oberjuerge was born and raised in the Inland Empire and is a graduate of Redlands High School. She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy, as well as two bachelor’s degrees from the University of California, San Diego.
“As more research demonstrates the integral role that the arts play in community and economic development, it underscores the importance of RAM’s continued engagement with diverse audiences throughout the Inland Empire and the creation of programs that serve the public,” said Oberjuerge. “The legacy of the Julia Morgan-designed building provides a great framework for these activities. Morgan was a pioneering architect who created iconic private residences like Hearst Castle, but also created a large body of work dedicated to the public – like the YWCA that now houses the Riverside Art Museum.”
Oberjuerge’s goal is to use the six-week statewide celebration, “Julia Morgan 2012,” kicking off this October, as a platform for celebrating this source of civic pride, as well as building awareness of the need to sustain it.
“I look forward to working with the RAM Board of Directors and staff, increasing the number of benefactors, and making sure that the museum is a thriving, integral part of the community for many years to come,” said Oberjuerge.
RAM relies on the generosity of members and donors to support its exhibitions, education programs, and special events. A 50-plus-year-old, private, non-profit cultural arts institution housed in a National Historic 1929 building designed by Hearst Castle architect Julia Morgan, the museum welcomes over 50,000 visitors a year. The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. For information on exhibits, events, classes, memberships, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.RiversideArtMuseum.org. Find us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/riversideartmuseum) and Twitter (RAMRiverside).