New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! announced today that Ashley Occhino is stepping down as Executive Director on January 7th. Occhino was appointed to the helm of the 25-year-old New Bedford institution in November 2017.
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Please read below for a statement from the Board and Occhino herself.
“When Ashley first arrived at the museum, she immediately jumped right in and brought her vision to the redesign and reconstruction of the museum’s programs and physical layout,” said Caroline Conzatti, Board Chair, “This allowed for expanded collaborations, innovative partnerships, and the continuation of the museum as a leader for the arts in the region.”
“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved in my years here at NBAM,” Occhino said. “It’s quite something to think of how the museum has changed, both physically and programmatically, since I first arrived — not least the participation in the state-wide Barr-Klarman Massachusetts Arts Initiative, an opportunity that defined my time here.
The museum as it is today is so vibrant and full of life, with programs and events that the local community enjoys. It’s been an honor to work with the most incredible team of staff, trustees, and volunteers, who just amaze me with their endless passion and creativity, and who I know I will miss greatly.”
In addition to transformative projects, Occhino modernized the museum’s programming and exhibits to better represent the local community in the 21st century.
She was entrusted with reshaping and rebuilding the staff team to better fit these needs and grow the museum’s role as a fixture of the local social scene.
New engaging programs and events emerged, with multiple Creative Courts murals, the growth of its signature artMOBILE including a new van, the debut of more adult-oriented programs such as the Creative Care, and the pledge to support a Community-Artist-in-Residence.
Noteworthy events for the museum included receptions for Pete Souza and Ruth E. Carter, and more recently, the celebration of the Members’ Exhibition, which have become highlights on the community’s calendar.
The museum will establish a multi-faceted committee to initiate and conduct a search for Occhino’s replacement.
New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! is at the heart of New Bedford’s Seaport Cultural District. Located in the historic downtown,
NBAM offers engaging exhibitions of artwork from around the corner and across the ocean along with dynamic and interactive educational opportunities for members and visitors of all ages.