Longtime Allen Memorial Art Museum Director Andria Derstine Announces Departure

After more than a decade of exemplary leadership, Andria Derstine is leaving her post as the John G. W. Cowles Director of the Allen Memorial Art Museum (AMAM) at Oberlin College, recognized as one of the best academic art museums in the nation. Oberlin is pleased to name Katherine Solender as interim director during the search for a new leader. Derstine will begin her role as deputy director and chief curator of the Cleveland Museum of Art in December. 

A Legacy of Achievement

Derstine, who has been the Allen’s director since 2012, having joined the museum as a curator in 2006, leaves behind an impressive legacy of growth, collaboration, and institutional advancement, marked by key accomplishments in expanding the museum’s endowments, collection, and facilities. Throughout her tenure, Derstine led significant initiatives to secure the museum's future. Working with colleagues, she played an instrumental role in raising and securing endowments to support curatorial positions, art acquisitions, and museum programming. 

Derstine also worked to preserve the museum’s historic buildings and infrastructure. Notably, she oversaw the conservation of Frederick Wiley’s ceiling and clerestory paintings in the King Sculpture Court, partnered to secure a new roof for the museum’s flagship Cass Gilbert building, supported efforts to maintain the Weltzheimer-Johnson Frank Lloyd Wright House, programming at which the museum oversees, and laid the groundwork for a future museum expansion.

Building the museum's collection was another highlight of Derstine’s directorship. Under her leadership, the AMAM made significant acquisitions, particularly of works by women and artists from diverse backgrounds. In addition, she championed numerous exhibitions and public programs featuring acclaimed artists such as Dawoud Bey, Audrey Flack, Mary Miss, Pat Steir, and Fred Wilson.

“I am proud of completing a new strategic plan for the Allen, overseeing the museum's reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, and finding ways to connect Oberlin students with the public through our work,” says Derstine. “The Allen has an unparalleled collection for an academic museum of its size, encompassing works that span six millennia and representing cultures from around the world. It has been an honor to lead such an extraordinary institution."

David Kamitsuka, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Oberlin College, praised Derstine’s leadership: “Andria’s tenure has transformed the museum in countless ways. Her success in securing financial resources, her stewardship of our collection and historic buildings, and her commitment to enhancing the museum’s role in public and academic life have cemented her legacy. Under her direction, the Allen has become a national model for how a college art museum can serve students, faculty, and the broader community.”

Welcoming Katherine Solender as Interim Director

Oberlin alum Katherine Solender is the ideal leader to take the reins of the AMAM as the museum searches for a permanent successor. Solender is a highly respected museum professional with more than 40 years of experience, including prior service as interim director of the AMAM in 2003-2004 and again in 2011-2012.

“We are thrilled to have Katie return to lead the Allen during this transition,” says Kamitsuka. “Her extensive experience, both with the Allen and the Cleveland Museum of Art, and her expertise in museum operations make her the ideal person to ensure the museum's continued success.”

Solender expressed her enthusiasm about stepping into her new role: “I’m looking forward to serving Oberlin once again as interim director of its extraordinary museum. Every time I enter the Allen, I’m impressed by how its collections and programs bring the world to Oberlin and engage students and faculty. My primary goal will be to ensure stability and continuity for our staff and community partners as we prepare for the museum’s next chapter."

Solender has long been a consultant for the AMAM, working on various projects since 2006, and served as acting director during Andria Derstine’s sabbatical in 2018-2019. Her distinguished career includes leadership roles at the Cleveland Museum of Art and other institutions, where she oversaw exhibitions and major projects.

“I believe academic museums like the Allen can be effective forums for experimentation and discussion, providing access to diverse ideas and encouraging visitors to think critically about complex issues,” added Solender. “I’m honored to help continue this mission as we search for a new director.”

About the Allen Memorial Art Museum

Founded in 1917, the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College is one of the finest academic art museums in the United States. Its collection includes more than 16,000 works spanning 6,000 years and representing a broad range of cultures. Free and open to the public, the museum serves as a vital resource for Oberlin students, faculty, and the wider community, promoting public education, interdisciplinary learning, and cultural engagement.

For more information, please visit amam.oberlin.edu