Santa Fe, NM – The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is excited to announce the appointment of Emily Berkes as its new family and programs educator. With a strong background in art history and contemporary art, Emily brings a wealth of experience and fresh ideas to enhance the museum's educational programs. She officially assumed her role on January 20.
As the museum's new family and programs educator, Emily will be responsible for developing and implementing engaging programs to connect children, families, teachers, and other adults with the exhibits at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC). Her duties will also include assisting in summer programming, volunteer training, and Sunday Fun Day events.
Marita Hinds, the director of education at MIAC, expressed her enthusiasm for Emily's arrival, stating, "We are thrilled to have Emily join us at MIAC. Her dedication to education and passion for Indigenous art perfectly align with our mission to provide enriching experiences for visitors of all ages."
Emily Berkes, originally from San Antonio, Texas, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History with a minor in Anthropology from the University of Texas at Arlington. She further pursued her education and obtained a Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Colorado Boulder. Throughout her master's studies, Emily focused on contemporary art of Indigenous peoples in North America, specifically contemporary Indigenous women's porcupine quillwork and beadwork. She is particularly interested in creating spaces for the work of contemporary Indigenous artists within museums and similar institutions. Emily is excited about her new role and looks forward to collaborating with Indigenous communities in New Mexico and beyond.
Under Emily's guidance, visitors can anticipate upcoming events, including the popular Sunday Funday. The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture remains committed to providing enriching educational experiences that inspire a lifelong love for and understanding of the artistic, cultural, and intellectual achievements of the diverse peoples of the Native Southwest.
The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, overseen by the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. The museum's programs and exhibits receive generous support from the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and its donors. The mission of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology is to serve as a center of stewardship, knowledge, and understanding of the artistic, cultural, and intellectual accomplishments of the diverse peoples of the Native Southwest.
In conclusion, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is delighted to welcome Emily Berkes as their new family and programs educator. With her expertise and passion, Emily is poised to enhance the museum's educational offerings and create meaningful connections between visitors and the Indigenous art of the Southwest.