SCAD is proud to announce the appointment of DJ Hellerman as curator at SCAD Museum of Art. An experienced curator, writer, archivist, and art historian, Hellerman brings a deep understanding of site-specific, interdisciplinary projects to SCAD MOA.

"SCAD welcomes DJ Hellerman, a curatorial leader with a reputation for creating distinguished programming of relevance and interest to the communities he serves," said Kari Herrin, SCAD VP of brand experience and head of exhibitions. "Since opening our doors in 2011, SCAD MOA has delivered engaging exhibitions in an array of disciplines, and as we usher in our next decade, DJ's presence ensures that the museum will continue to be an institution that educates and inspires."

Hellerman joins a SCAD MOA curatorial team committed to elevating the museum's international renown. Current exhibitions at SCAD MOA feature artists including Paulina Olowska (Poland), Carlos Garaicoa (Cuba), Gonzalo Hernandez (Peru), and Hass Brothers (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.). The annual deFINE ART festival, featuring honoree Sanford Biggers, will be held Feb. 23-25, 2021.

Prior to joining SCAD, Hellerman worked at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, New York, where his numerous curatorial projects included exhibitions by Yoko Ono, Jeff Donaldson, Edie Fake, and Vanessa German. He also worked as chief curator with Burlington City Arts in Burlington, Vermont, and as registrar at the Progressive Art Collection in Cleveland, Ohio. He holds an M.A. in art history from Case Western Reserve University and a B.A. in English and philosophy from Lake Erie College.

"I'm enthusiastic to be here at SCAD MOA, and I'm committed to advancing the museum's legacy of delivering dynamic exhibition programming in Savannah," said Hellerman. "By providing audiences with the opportunity to get first looks at emerging artists alongside more established international voices, we'll continue to make SCAD MOA a world-class destination."

The SCAD Museum of Art is a premier contemporary art museum that features emerging and established international artists through commissioned works and rotating exhibitions, engages local communities with special initiatives of an international scope, and serves as a resource for SCAD students and alumni during their academic careers and beyond.

The museum incorporates the oldest surviving antebellum railroad depot in the U.S. into its striking design. It has been recognized by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, the Congress for the New Urbanism, the International Interior Design Association, and the Historic Savannah Foundation, and received the American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Architecture.

Visit scadmoa.org.

What does a fashion curator do? What is the best part of being a curator? Ask A Curator Day, started in 2010 by MuseumNext founder Jim Richardson, allows the public to engage with curators at institutions across the globe using the social media hashtag #AskACurator. On September 16, the @scadfash social audience addressed questions to SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film executive director Alexandra Sachs. Here are five memorable exchanges from Ask A Curator Day.

1. How do curators decide which designers they will invite for an exhibition at SCAD FASH?

Alexandra Sachs: "SCAD FASH curators work collaboratively to identify artists and designers who reflect the diversity of our student body and community, and who align with our mission to celebrate fashion as an artform and conduit of identity. Curators and staff oversee fashion-focused exhibitions, events, and programs that resonate across the university. Our curators also organize exhibitions at the SCAD Museum of Art, plan an annual summer exhibition at SCAD Lacoste, and assist with the SCAD FASHION runway shows. 


2. What does your typical day look like?


AS: "Every day is dynamic and ever-changing! Whether I’m collaborating with artists, designers, and galleries on exhibitions and events, scrolling the latest fashion news, media, and art books, or writing texts for catalogs and digital publications, I’m constantly seeking new information and connections to bring the best programming to SCAD."



3. What are the most challenging moments of your day?


AS: "Working in a creative field requires adaptability and a willingness to change while still working toward your overall vision. When I find something frustrating — a challenging installation perhaps — it’s often a sign that I need to consider different perspectives and reevaluate my approach to realize my goals.

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4. What do you love about your job?


AS: "I am extremely fortunate to work with incredible artists, designers, professors, and colleagues. We’ve presented so many spectacular exhibitions in the past five years, including work by Guo Pei, Pierre Cardin, and the indomitable Ane Crabtree, who designed costumes for "The Handmaid’s Tale." For me the most memorable part of the job is the people I meet along the way. They make the work gratifying."

5. What kind of university should someone attend if they’re interested in becoming a curator?

AS: "For a fashion curator, it’s essential to have a solid foundation in fashion history. It also helps to have knowledge of contemporary fine art and art history. SCAD offers a minor in museum studies as part of our art history degree program, enabling students to gain practical experience in our university museums, and interact with museum professionals across different disciplines. If you’re looking for a hands-on, project-based learning experience, SCAD is the place to be!"

SCAD FASH is excited to share what happens before, during, and after an exhibition is on view. We’re expanding the visitor experience by making more behind-the-scenes content, providing a closer look at specific garments on view and in the collection, in a new IGTV series coming this October on @scadfash. Please connect by sending us a DM if you have any questions. We hope to see you at SCAD FASH and for a virtual program soon!

Plan your next SCAD FASH visit. Museum Hours: Thursday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.