SAN ANTONIO, TX.- The McNay Art Museum announces the appointment of Elizabeth Kathleen Mitchell, Ph.D. as the new curator of prints and drawings, beginning March 17. In her role, Mitchell is charged with researching, growing and maintaining the prints and drawings collection, as well as making the collection available to a broad audience through exhibitions, publications and educational programs.

“Dr. Mitchell is a dynamic, innovative educator and scholar,” said Matthew McLendon, director and CEO of the McNay. “Her training and forward-looking curatorial practice spanning two decades embody the McNay’s mission to engage a diverse community in the discovery and enjoyment of the visual arts.”

Mitchell received a Ph.D. in 18th-century British prints from University of California, Santa Barbara; an M.A. in 19th-century British painting from University of Arizona, Tucson; a B.A. in Spanish and a B.A. in liberal arts from University of Wyoming, Laramie.

Prior to joining the McNay, Mitchell served in various roles at the Cantor Center for Visual Arts at Stanford University, including as interim museum co-director; Burton and Deedee McMurtry curator of drawings, prints and photographs; acting head of academic and public programming; and director of the curatorial fellowship program. Previous to her time at Stanford, she served as assistant curator in the department of prints, drawings and photographs at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Additionally, she was a lecturer at Stanford (2013-2015), as well as an adjunct lecturer at the Massachusetts College of Art (2008-2010) and at the University of California, Santa Barbara (2002-2003), where she taught a course on modern Mexican art.

“Elizabeth brings a range of academic scholarship and curatorial experience to the McNay, with an emphasis on connecting artworks with audiences through innovative exhibitions, thoughtful art acquisitions and professional accomplishments,” said René Paul Barilleaux, head of curatorial affairs. “Her vision will provide another viewpoint to complement already strong curatorial voices at the McNay.”

Mitchell joins five other curators at the McNay: head of curatorial affairs, curator of exhibitions, curator of Latinx art, curator of collections and curator of The Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts. The Museum houses over 23,000 works, including Medieval and Renaissance art; 19th- through 21st-century European and American paintings, sculptures and photographs; one of the finest collections of prints and drawings in the Southwest; the exceptional Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts; the Jeanne and Irving Mathews Collection of Art Glass; and art of New Mexico.

“I am thrilled to join the curatorial team at the McNay, and I welcome the chance to build on its exceptional collection,” said Mitchell. “I look forward to creating encounters with art that reflect and enrich the experiences of our local and international visitors.”