Melanie Crader has been named the inaugural director of visual arts at Guild Hall, where she will be responsible for developing an exhibition program that builds on the museum's history while incorporating new artistic directions. She comes to Guild Hall from Water Mill's Parrish Art Museum, where she served as deputy director and also interim director.
Ms. Crader's previous positions include director of exhibitions and publication management at the Hammer Museum at U.C.L.A. in Los Angeles, and various management roles at the Menil Collection in Houston, including budget and project manager and manager of curatorial projects.
"It is inspiring to join an artist-centric, interdisciplinary, and storied institution such as Guild Hall," Ms. Crader said. "The culmination of my experience, combined with my passion for relationship-building, has prepared me to take on this new and exciting role."
"Melanie is an extraordinarily capable museum professional who has helped artists ranging from early career to internationally known, realize their visions with complexity and sensitivity," said Andrea Grover, Guild Hall's executive director.
Ms. Crader will begin her tenure on Monday, in advance of Guild Hall's reopening and summer season. She will manage the first exhibition in the renovated galleries, "Renee Cox: A Proof of Being," which is set to open on July 2.
