CEDAR RAPIDS, IA.- Kate Kunau is the new Associate Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, effective immediately. Her career began at Cornell College, where she earned a B.A. in Art History and European History. Ms. Kunau then obtained her M.A. and is completing her Ph.D. (expected 2016 with completion of her dissertation) in art history from the University of Iowa. Kate has most recently been a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Iowa, and from 2011 to 2012, received a prestigious Semmes Foundation internship at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas.

Ms. Kunau is not unfamiliar with the collection of the CRMA. In both 2010 and 2012 she served as an intern in the curatorial department doing research related to both the collections and temporary exhibitions. Although she has assisted with other exhibitions both at the McNay and CRMA, the CRMA will be her first opportunity to create exhibitions from concept through completion.

Kunau’s publications include: Artist biographies in Estampas de la Raza: Contemporary Prints from the Romo Collection, published by the University of Texas Press (2012); artist biographies and artwork analysis for Majority Rules: A Decade of Contemporary Art Acquisitions, published by McNay Art Museum (2012); and “Andy Warhol: Fame and Misfortune,” a synopsis of Warhol exhibition in 10 West Living (2012).

Kate Kunau commented, “I am so pleased to join the staff of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. My experiences here and at the McNay Art Museum have shown me what great contributions museums can make to their communities and I’m very excited to be a part of that in Cedar Rapids.”

Executive Director Sean Ulmer stated “I am thrilled to welcome Kate to the staff of the CRMA. Her energy, excitement, and enthusiasm are all great assets in a curator. I look forward to the exhibitions she will create, the acquisitions she will make, and the new ideas she will bring to the table.”