An art historian focused on American art and craft in contemporary culture, Theresa Downing was curator and director of exhibitions at Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis from 2011-2012. She was also curator of the Minnesota Museum of American Art in St. Paul from 2004-2009, and she oversaw curatorial projects at the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota from 2000-2003. Downing has curated many exhibitions of contemporary art and craft, including major shows of ceramics, photography, and sound art, and several exhibitions of historical artworks, most notably a solo show of the abstract work of American modern, George Morrison.

Educational Background & Specialties
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Educational Background

  • M.A.: Art History, University of St. Thomas, 2011
  • M.A.: Art History, University of Minnesota, 2015
  • Ph.D. Candidate: Art History, University of Minnesota, 2017

Specialties

  • Haptics and Visuality
  • Fiber Art and Textiles
  • American Art and Material Culture
  • Feminist Art History
  • Museum Studies
  • Art and the Senses
  • American Craft, especially Furniture, Textiles and Ceramics
  • Contemporary Art