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AVAM Board of Directors Appoints Ellen Owens New Director

Arts leader, educator, and artist and current Director of 
the Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University becomes 3rd Director

Ellen Owens

Photo by Cheryl Gorski

The AVAM Board of Directors is delighted to announce the selection of accomplished arts leader, educator, and artist Ellen Owens as the new Director of our beloved museum. Ms. Owens is currently Director of the Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University, and will formally assume her new role with AVAM on June 23, 2025.

 

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we are thrilled to have attracted an arts leader of Ellen Owens’ caliber to lead AVAM forward at this important time for the Museum and our nation,” said AVAM Board Chair Christopher Goelet. “Ellen has a keen understanding and appreciation of what AVAM has always been about and the importance of its mission at this time in our nation’s history—to give voice to the diversity of human experience and to inspire our individual and collective commitment to advancing social justice.  We have full confidence that she will define a new era of relevance, reach and support for AVAM, as well as an expanded commitment to educational programming.” 

 

Ms. Owens was selected after a national, 10-month long search. You can read the full Press Release here.

“One of the most fantastic museums anywhere in America.” 

–CNN 

AVAM specializes in original thematic exhibitions that seamlessly combine art, science, philosophy, humor and especially social justice and betterment.

Good Sports: The Wisdom & Fun of Fair Play
On View

Good Sports: The Wisdom & Fun of Fair Play

The Secret Within: The Art of Judith Scott
On View

The Secret Within: The Art of Judith Scott

Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family
On View

Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family

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farmer/artist  VOLLIS SIMPSON

 “I had a lotta junk and I had 

to do something with it.”

ONGOING

Permanent Collection

America’s official
national museum,
education center,
and repository
for self-taught and intuitive artistry

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Upcoming events

Sat, Jun 28, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 12:00 AM

Join us for an extravaganza celebrating the intersection of sports, art, and activism with an evening of food, dancing, and fun at the American Visionary Art Museum!

AVAM's Play(ful) Ball Gala - Save the Date
Sold out! Spring Break Make and Take: Paint in Reverse
Friday
4/18/25, 5:00 PM

Sold out! Spring Break Make and Take: Paint in Reverse

Outdoor Sculpture Tour on Saturday
Saturday
5/10/25, 3:00 PM

Outdoor Sculpture Tour on Saturday

Posters and Poetics Cypher: A National Poetry Month Celebration
Saturday
4/19/25, 5:00 PM

Posters and Poetics Cypher: A National Poetry Month Celebration

The Secret Within: Tour and Artmaking inspired by Artist Judith Scott 🧶
Saturday
5/31/25, 5:00 PM

The Secret Within: Tour and Artmaking inspired by Artist Judith Scott 🧶

2025 Kinetic Volunteer Meeting  #2
Saturday
4/26/25, 2:00 PM

2025 Kinetic Volunteer Meeting #2

Adults are obligated to have fun, so kids will want to grow older.” 

–Hobart Brown
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