COLUMBIA, SC.- The Columbia Museum of Art announced the appointment of Catherine Walworth, Ph.D., to Curator. Walworth joined the CMA curatorial team this spring, and she will be leading a gallery talk on modern art in the Big & Bold exhibition on Thursday, July 7, at 7 p.m.

"I am delighted that Catherine has joined our staff, and I look forward to working closely with her and Chief Curator Dr. Will South to advance our exhibition program and thoughtfully grow our collection," says Karen Brosius, CMA executive director. "Her curatorial experience will help further the CMA's vision as a dynamic educational resource, a center for community engagement, and a destination for art and culture for our state."

Walworth received her master’s degree from the University of Washington and her doctorate from The Ohio State University where she specialized in modern art from 1850-1950, Russian art, and early film. Starting her museum career at the Seattle Art Museum, Walworth has had extensive experience working at significant institutions around the country including the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Most recently, Walworth served as the curatorial research assistant on the exhibition Silver to Steel: The Modern Designs of Peter Muller-Munk at Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition to her curatorial experience, Walworth has been a freelance arts writer since 2003.

Her expertise in European art is a strong complement to the expertise in American art provided by CMA Chief Curator Will South. "Catherine's depth of experience is a boon for the CMA's curatorial department," says CMA Chief Curator Will South. "But, more importantly, her broad expertise in art will enhance the CMA's overall efforts toward fulfilling its mission."

The gallery talk on July 7 led by Walworth in Big & Bold: Selections from the Collection serves as the first opportunity for the public to meet Catherine and hear her thoughts on some of the works by artists such as Chuck Close, Vik Muniz, and others now on view. "I look forward to building exhibitions and collections that are smart, fun, and completely unforgettable," says Walworth. "A relaxing respite that also throws your concepts of the world completely overboard in a great way."

On July 7, the museum is open from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. for First Thursdays on Main.
Program begins at 7 p.m. | Free with admission or membership.