Ray Williams has been named head of education at The RISD Museum in Providence. He replaces David Henry, who left for Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art. Williams previously was director of education at Peabody Essex Museum, and he has also worked at the Smithsonian Institution. He has a master’s degree in art/art history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master of education degree from Harvard University.
PBN: How active is the museum now in terms of education?
WILLIAMS: The RISD Museum has a longstanding commitment to education. In addition to [serving] students from RISD and Brown, the museum has collaborated with various community organizations on special projects. About 15,000 schoolchildren visit the museum each year for gallery lessons.
PBN: What sort of programs do you have?
WILLIAMS: “Always on Sunday” offers gallery talks, artist demonstrations and music for an adult audience. “Free-for-All Saturdays” [is] a rich mix of gallery and studio experiences with related performances. The museum also participates in the monthly Gallery Nights along with other arts venues in Providence.
PBN: What plans do you have?
WILLIAMS: The RISD Museum is at an exciting moment, with the development of the new Chace Center. The staff – inspired by the arrival of director Hope Alswang last fall – is actively engaged in developing new plans and approaches. … My professional strengths are in the areas of gallery teaching and community engagement. I am committed to making collections and exhibitions meaningful to a broad audience. One current project is recruiting volunteer gallery teachers, or docents, who will work with school groups on weekdays. … Bilingual skills, art-making experience, connections to culturally diverse communities, and work with young people are all desirable attributes.
