PORTLAND, ORE.- The Portland Art Museum announced the appointment of Michael Murawski, Ph.D., as director of education and public programs. Murawski will begin his tenure on October 15.

“This is an important role at the Museum. Our education programs expand and amplify the visitor’s experience in the galleries through innovative installations, lectures with leading scholars, and special programs for school children, college students, artists, educators, and adult learners,” said Brian Ferriso, The Marilyn H. and Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. Director. “I am pleased that we have been able to recruit and hire Mike Murawski, one of today’s leading thinkers around art museum education.”

In his new position, Murawski will be responsible for creating a vision for the Museum’s public programs for families, students, and adults and ensuring the highest quality for all education programs.

“I am so excited to step into this new role at the Portland Art Museum and become part of a distinguished institution dedicated to creating compelling experiences for all visitors,” said Murawski. “I look forward to working with their exceptional team to further strengthen the museum’s role in the community and help shape the museum’s vision for the future.”

Murawski is currently the director of school services at the Saint Louis Art Museum . In this role he directs all school, teacher, and docent programs for the Museum and creates programs, tours, and partnerships for K-12 students, facilitating innovative museum learning. The programs serve approximately 35,000 students per year.

Prior to his work at the Saint Louis Art Museum , he was the coordinator of education and public programs at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University , Saint Louis .

Murawski holds both master and doctorate degrees in education from American University , Washington , D.C. and received a bachelor’s degree in art history from Truman State University , Missouri .

“We are confident that Mike will continue to strengthen our existing programs such as Object Stories, Shine a Light, and Artist Talks while creating a vision for the future to help the Museum deliver its important mission in our community,” said Ferriso.