The Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) has chosen a new executive director after a national search.
Jonell Logan, a curator, arts advocate and nonprofit leader, will take over the position effective next Monday (Oct. 28), just as the Reston-based institute celebrates its 50th anniversary.
“I believe in this mission and am honored to be the next executive director to support this work,” Logan said in a press release announcing her appointment.
A nonprofit dedicated to promoting contemporary art, Tephra ICA operates a free, public gallery in Reston Town Center (12001 Market Street, Suite 103) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday and from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
The organization also has a gallery space in the Signature apartment building at 11850 Freedom Drive.
With a master’s degree in drawing, painting and printmaking from Brooklyn College, Logan’s past experience includes The Metroplitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum of Art, Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina.
She previously served as the director of education and public programs at the Harvey B. Grant Center for African-American Arts + Culture in North Carolina. As the vice president and creative director at the McColl Center in Charlotte, she oversaw the adoption of its strategic plan and revamped its artist in residence program.
She was also able to secure $100,000 in new funding from the Warhol Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
“Jonell is an established and innovative leader, bringing exceptional curatorial, management, and fundraising experience gained at respected institutions in our sector,” Tephra ICA Board Chair Robert Goudie said.
More on Jonell from Goudie:
Add to that her national reach, and even amidst a deep and strong candidate pool she stood out. We took the unusual step of entering into a five-year commitment, reflecting our belief in her and her belief in Tephra ICA. That stability will be especially important as we seek during that time to identify and close on our new home in Reston, an American Alliance of Museums-accredited and larger space that will allow us to expand what we can deliver to the region. We are thrilled to have a leader of such accomplishment and vision bring Tephra ICA into the next decade of our evolution.
Formerly known as the Greater Reston Arts Center, Tephra ICA launched a capital campaign last fall that’s tied to its 50th anniversary and aims to raise $300,000 so it can move to a new location.
A specific site hasn’t been announced yet, but a Tephra spokesperson previously told FFXnow that the organization is looking to add capacity and capabilities not possible in the current space provided by Reston Town Center owner Boston Properties.
