Q&A with Alyssa Traster

Alyssa Traster, curatorial assistant, works in the Allen Memorial Art Museum. In her role, Traster oversees a new grant from the Freeman Foundation, which develops and strengthens educational programming on East Asian arts and culture for K-12 students in Lorain County public schools. Directly before coming to Oberlin in October 2018, Traster worked as an archaeologist at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Get to know more about Traster in this Q&A.

Describe your role in six words.
Incorporating East Asian arts in K-12.

Favorite spot on campus?
The Allen Memorial Art Museum. I am constantly in awe of this stunning historic building and the array of incredible works from all over the world. There is something for everyone, and it's all free!

What's your passion?
Understanding the human story through art, and sharing that with others.

Where did you grow up?
Vermilion, Ohio—just down the road.

Favorite class in college or school?
Mesoamerican Art History. This course later influenced my graduate research in ancient Maya archaeology and my archaeological fieldwork in Northwestern Belize.

Favorite thing to eat?
Cheese.

Who are the most important people in your life?
My husband, Chris, and my family.