Like the Wizard flying into Oz, the Arts Center’s newest Director of Youth Education, Andy Smith, has come to Lawrence by way of Omaha!
Prior to joining our team, Smith had been the Studio Programs Manager at Joslyn Art Museum, an organization that, like the Arts Center, is dedicated to bringing fine arts to the community. He has more than 13 years of experience in teaching, educational programming, and development of inclusive art-making experiences. Smith said that as a museum educator he is inspired by the human imagination and the discovery, development and influence of ideas.
Smith is a passionate arts educator who enjoys collaborating with artists and educators to develop dynamic learning experiences that encourage imagination, ideas, expression, artistic understanding, and community enrichment. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio and Fine Art, K-12 Art Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. In 2017 he was named Museum Educator of the Year by the Nebraska Art Teachers Association.
Arts Center CEO Margaret Weisbrod Morris said she was excited to find such a perfect fit for the Youth Education team.
“We are so incredibly lucky to have someone with Andy’s experience and enthusiasm join our program,” she said. “We know his insight and ideas are going to be incredible assets to the Youth Education team.”
Smith, who will be accompanied to Lawrence by his cat, Barry, is joining the Arts Center team in March. In his spare time Smith said he enjoys camping, neighborhood walks, and listening to records.