AVAM taps DEI advocate, fundraiser as director of Baltimore museum after predecessor ousted

After an unexpected dismissal, American Visionary Art Museum names new director

Ellen Owens, director of the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University, has been named the new director of the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM), the Baltimore museum announced on Friday. She starts in the role on June 23.

AVAM taps DEI advocate, fundraiser as director of Baltimore museum after predecessor ousted

The American Visionary Art Museum has chosen as its next director educator and fundraiser Ellen Owens, a staunch advocate for diversity and accessibility initiatives in the arts that have come under attack from President Donald Trump’s administration. Owens, director of New York’s Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University, was appointed to lead AVAM following a 10-month nationwide search from a pool of more than 70 applicants, according to mus…

American Visionary Art Museum names Ellen Owens as next director

Ellen Owens, Director of the Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University, has been named Director of the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) in Baltimore.AVAM’s board announced on Friday that Owens, a native of Middleburg, Pennsylvania, will begin her new job on June 23, following a 10-month national search and unanimous approval by its directors.Since September of 2023, the museum has been led on an interim basis by Donna Katrinic, director of…

AVAM Names Ellen Owens as Director

The American Visionary Art Museum—a Congressionally-designated national museum and education center dedicated to showcasing intuitive, self-taught artistry and thought—announces the appointment of Ellen Owens as its new Director, following a national 10-month search and unanimous approval by the Board of Directors. Ms. Owens, a native of Middleburg, PA, is currently the Director of the Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University, a position she …