By Taylor Smith

The Monmouth Museum (http://monmouthmuseum.org) in Lincroft, N.J., has announced that its board of trustees has appointed Donna R. Kessinger of Atlantic Highlands to be the Museum’s next executive director.

Kessinger comes to the Museum from ChaShaMa, International Center of Photography, and MoMA PS1, bringing with her a connection to the artist community that thrives along the New York and New Jersey corridor. She has a Bachelor of Fine Art from Kent State University, and a Masters in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky. Kessinger has produced several independent curatorial projects in New York and New Jersey since 1999, including those at the Guggenheim Museum and the emerging artists residency programs and related exhibitions at the Bronx Museum of the Arts.

With her experience as a fine arts administrator and educator, an adjunct professor at the University of Kentucky teaching the Arts and Artists in Society online courses, and recently as the arts program director for the Therapeutic Recreation Division at Monmouth County Parks and Recreation, Kessinger will introduce new, engaging, educational programs to the Museum for the adult and MMKIDS audience. At Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art in Newark, she developed the Young Curators Program, an educational outreach and youth development initiative with the Newark Public Schools.

Monmouth Museum is at an important juncture in its 55-year history as it continues as a regional art museum and center that enrich the lives of children through exploration of science and technology.

Founded in 1963 as a Museum of Ideas, Monmouth Museum is an independent, nonprofit organization, entirely supported by individuals; foundations; corporate, county and state grants; income from special events; membership dues; and admissions.

Monmouth Museum is located at 1 Museum Drive in Lincroft, on the campus of Brookdale Community College, parking lot #1. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday until 9 p.m.; and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is $8. For more information about programs and exhibitions, call (732) 747-2266 or visit www.monmouthmuseum.org.