Christian Adame

The Portland Museum of Art is happy to announce it has hired Christian Adame as Peggy L. Osher Director of Learning and Interpretation. Adame joins the PMA from the Phoenix Art Museum, where he served as Assistant Education Director, overseeing in-gallery interpretation, strategic partnerships, and public programming, launching initiatives such as Open Voice, Slow Art & Mindfulness, and expanding creative aging work throughout the Phoenix area. Adame begins his new role at the PMA on November 19.

“I am thrilled to be joining the PMA team, and especially the communities of Portland,” Adame said. “I believe that arts and cultural spaces now, more than ever, play a vital role in helping all of us find commonality, connection, and meaning. As someone new to Maine, I have a lot to learn about this place, its people, and its histories. I am excited to listen, and, with the support of the very talented PMA staff, to expand the reach and relevance of the museum.”

Under the leadership of the PMA’s Deputy Director and Robert and Elizabeth Nanovic Chief Curator Jessica May, Adame will oversee all aspects of the PMA’s Learning and Interpretation program, refining interpretive plans for the PMA collection and aligning educational programming with the PMA’s mission. Working with colleagues in the External Affairs division, he will develop creative ways to reach non-traditional audiences and new approaches for them to engage with the collection. One of his primary responsibilities in the coming years will be to reimagine the Winslow Homer Studio Tour experience in advance of American Titans: The Art of Winslow Homer and Frederic Remington, opening July 2020.

“From my earliest conversations with Christian, it was clear that he shares our passion and commitment to welcoming new audiences to this museum, as well as for connecting with our community at every possible level,” said May. “Under his leadership, I’m confident that our exceptional education team will thrive.”