Patton hired as AMAM's first black female head

New director will arrive in Oct.

She'll be arriving a little late for orientation, but there will be one more new face on campus this year. Sharon Patton will take over as director of the Allen Memorial Art Museum on Oct. 19.

Patton comes to Oberlin from a job many would prize: a tenure track position at a large research university, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. She served there as an associate professor of Art History, as well as the director of its Center for Afroamerican and African Studies. "It was quite a coup to be able to attract her," said Clayton Koppes, dean of the college of arts and sciences.

Patton replaces Anne Moore as director; she is the second woman, and the first African American woman, to serve in this capacity since the museum's dedication in 1917. Marjorie Weiseman, former acting director, returns to her position as Curator of Western Art before 1850.

Patton is an exciting addition to the museum staff because of her expertise in African and African-American art. The museum has no specific curatorship in these areas, though the collection contains many relevant works. In addition to her duties as director, Patton will serve as a professor in the Department of Art.

College administrators are excited about the appointment. "She will do a great deal to strengthen the tie between the college and the museum," Koppes said. "She has some very interesting program ideas."

Sharon Patton:AMAM's new director comes from the University of Michigan. (photo courtesy Public Relations)