BENTONVILLE, AR.- Aaron W. Jones recently joined the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Learning Experiences team as the Public Tour Program Coordinator. Jones began his duties May 18, 2009 and currently reports to Director of Learning Experiences Lynn Berkowitz until the Head of Public Programs position is filled.

As Public Tour Program Coordinator, Jones will work closely with the curatorial, collections, Learning Experiences educators and information technology staff to design and develop the content and schedule of a daily roster of engaging public tours to be offered at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art including docent-led, digital audio/visual handhelds and Web-based touring opportunities as well as a volunteer docent network. The public tour program research and administrative preparation will be performed at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s temporary offices at Beau Terre North office park, as plans evolve and develop for the permanent site. Aaron will present programs occasionally at the Massey building and at other regional sites during the Museum’s construction phase.

“Aaron’s deep appreciation for the power of museums to connect people from all walks of life to the culture of their history and their time is palpable,” said Berkowitz. “The years he has spent devoted to the study and engagement of art in public dialogue will no doubt lead to the creation of a dynamic series of tour possibilities within Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s galleries, around the buildings and out on the grounds. We especially look forward to how Aaron structures the development of the Docent Network which will provide a lifelong learning opportunity for the volunteers and great service to the visitors.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of this extraordinary institution. It is exciting to be actively involved within an organization whose mission is to share artistic experiences with the public,” Jones said.

Most recently a professor of art and art appreciation at Northwest Arkansas Community College, Jones brings fifteen years of art education experience at the secondary and collegiate levels. He served as the Director of Arts Education with the Oklahoma Arts Council and was an instructor of Art and Art Education at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee.

An accomplished writer and artist, Jones holds a Master’s of Art in Art History from the University of Oklahoma and Bachelor of Arts in Art from Oklahoma Baptist University.