DAYTON, OH.- In anticipation of its centennial in 2019, during which the museum plans a major reinterpretation and reinstallation of several areas of its collection, The Dayton Art Institute announces the appointment of Peter L. Doebler as Kettering Postdoctoral Curatorial Assistant in Asian Art.

The endowed position is a two-year term, with a possible renewable third year, during which time Doebler will undertake two significant installation projects that will advance our understanding of the Asian collection. In addition to developing these installations, to be unveiled during the centennial year, he will be fully immersed within the Curatorial Division and assist in the development of Asian exhibitions and their related publications, as well as collections research. He will also work with Education Division to develop interpretive materials for the Asian collection.

Doebler received his doctorate in 2015 from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, in Art and Religion, with a dissertation related to the relationship of the sublime and the paintings of Hiroshi Senju. He is widely published, with his efforts focusing on the intersection of Japanese and western art, film, and religion. For the past year and a half, Doebler has held a research fellowship in museum engagement at The Dayton Art Institute, where he developed content for What is a Masterpiece?, an interactive interpretive guide to the museum’s collection.

“Peter’s strengths in Japanese art, in particular, his specialization in comparative religions, with a focus in Buddhist art and aesthetics, is a perfect complement to the project at-hand, as we begin to rethink our approach to the Asian collection; moreover, the combination of his level of scholarship and thoughtful approach to objects will be a great asset to the department,” remarked Aimee Marcereau DeGalan, The DAI’s Chief Curator and Curator of European Art.

Doebler begins his work at the museum in August.

“This is one of many exciting things taking shape at the museum as we prepare for our centennial,” said Michael R. Roediger, Director & CEO of The Dayton Art Institute. “The DAI has long been known for its Asian collection, and we look forward to sharing Peter’s work with the community as we celebrate this significant milestone.”

“I am delighted to join The Dayton Art Institute as the Kettering Postdoctoral Curatorial Assistant in Asian Art,” Doebler said. “The DAI has an impressive collection of Asian art, both comprehensive in scope and remarkable in its quality for a museum of this size. It is a privilege to be able to work with these objects and, more than that, to be able to collaborate with staff who have shown tremendous dedication to making The DAI a flourishing member of the Dayton community.”

The Dayton Art Institute’s Asian collections are ranked among the top 20 in the country, with significant strengths in early Chinese and Japanese paintings and decorative arts, as well as a smaller, yet strong, collection of South Asian holdings.