Sculpture Milwaukee Announces New Executive Director
Esteemed artist and gallerist John Riepenhoff appointed to lead the organization
Milwaukee – August 15, 2023 – Sculpture Milwaukee announced it has named John Riepenhoff as its new Executive Director. Now in its seventh year, Sculpture Milwaukee is an annual outdoor exhibition of public sculpture in downtown Milwaukee.
John Riepenhoff is an internationally renowned artist, curator, and gallerist who lives and works in Milwaukee. John is currently serving as curator for the 2023 Sculpture Milwaukee exhibition Actual Fractals, Act I.
“I see my leadership role at Sculpture Milwaukee as an opportunity to forward the direction that was established in the first seven years of our organization, with respect for major currents in art while giving attention to undercurrents and the unexpected, with a focus on underrepresented artists,” says Riepenhoff. “Curating this year’s exhibition, I experienced first-hand the visions of our artists, the strength of our bonds with community partners, the ambitions of our founders, and the immense skill of our staff.”
Riepenhoff is co-owner of The Green Gallery in Milwaukee and runs The Open Fund and the Beer Endowment. He has also co-organized Milwaukee International and Dark Fairs, is an inventor of artistic platforms for the expression of others, and is a regular food ideator. In his new role with Sculpture Milwaukee, Riepenhoff will continue to lead curatorial efforts as well as the organization at large.
“As planning begins for 2024 when all eyes will be on Milwaukee as host of a national political convention, John’s expertise, tireless commitment, and well-earned reputation within the local, national, and global art community, positions our organization to elevate from our foundational phase to a position of permanence,” adds Wayne Morgan, Sculpture Milwaukee’s board chairman”
Riepenhoff’s exhibitions and curatorial projects have been presented at Various Small Fires, Dallas (2023); Broadway, New York (2022); John Michael Kohler Art Preserve, Sheboygan, Wisconsin (2021); the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York (2017); The Suburban, Milwaukee (2007, 2008, 2017); Marlborough, New York (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017); Poor Farm, Wisconsin (2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016); Minneapolis Institute of Art, MN (2016); Nathalie Karg, New York (2015); Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, Atlanta (2015); Inova, Milwaukee (2010, 2015); 356 Mission Rd, Los Angeles (2014); Crystal Bridges, Bentonville, Arkansas (2014); Lynden Sculpture Garden, Milwaukee (2011, 2013); Tate Modern, London (2010); Swiss Institute, New York (2008).
He also offers the John Riepenhoff Experience at various locations worldwide, including at Misako and Rosen, Tokyo, Night Gallery, Los Angeles; and Good Weather, Arkansas. Riepenhoff was the 2015 Milwaukee Arts Board Artist of the Year.
About Sculpture Milwaukee
Sculpture Milwaukee is an annual outdoor exhibition of public sculpture in downtown Milwaukee that serves as a catalyst for community engagement, economic development, and creative placemaking. Free, public, and outdoors, Sculpture Milwaukee honors the arts and celebrates the community with artworks that spark inspiration, and conversation, and captivate residents, tourists, students, and art lovers alike to experience sculpture in new and profound ways. Sculpture Milwaukee is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization funded through private grants, donations, and sponsorships. For more information, visit www.sculpturemilwaukee.com
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