Hadley, Craig R., M.A.
Contact
765-658-6556
craighadley@depauw.edu
Art and Art History, Peeler Art Center, Room 202
Greencastle, IN
46135
Curator of Exhibitions and University Collections
As part of a small liberal arts university, I am passionate about bringing thoughtful, challenging, and interdisciplinary exhibitions to the Galleries at Peeler. I want our exhibitions to tie closely with what our students learn in art/art history, but also in other disciplines like political science, religious studies, environmental science, and language courses. We also provide students with opportunities to learn about museum/gallery operations and gain experiences that integrate their classroom education with hands-on learning. The university's permanent and study collections further this experiential learning by providing faculty and students with opportunities to develop their research and visual literacy skills.
Education
MA History/Museum Studies, UM-St. Louis, 2008
BA Anthropology/Museum Studies/Asian Studies, Beloit College, 2006
Experience
DePauw University (Curator of Exhibitions and University Collections) 2012-Present
Wright Museum of Art at Beloit College (Collections and Exhibits Coordinator), 2008-11
Western Historical Manuscripts Collection (Graduate Intern), 2007-8
Missouri History Museum (Graduate Intern), 2006-7
Field Museum of Natural History (Anthropology/Asian Art Intern), 2006
Indiana State Museum (Education and Volunteer Services intern), 2004, 2006
Logan Museum of Anthropology at Beloit College (Student collections assistant), 2005
Curatorial Statement
As a university museum professional, I am most interested in using the exhibition medium as a means of engaging visitors that inhabit an increasingly digital world. Visual literacy is an important life-long skill that is quickly being overshadowed by the virtual world. Exhibitions provide us with an opportunity to step back from the virtual and to refocus on the tangible. "Learning to look" requires practice, and exhibitions provide the perfect opportunity for our audiences to hone their looking skills. I strongly believe that technology can enhance the visitor experience, but I want these tools to enhance—not replace—the wonderful value inherent in objects.
In addition to visual literacy, I want exhibitions to get our visitors talking. What was thought-provoking, controversial, or relevant to the visitor or student who walked through my most recent series of exhibitions? As a curator, I have an opportunity to shape exhibitions and programming that provide avenues into relevant 21st century political, social, and economic issues while stressing the importance of tangible objects.