Mystic Museum of Art Appoints Alana H. Ryder as Executive Director

Mystic Museum of Art (MMoA) has announced that Alana H. Ryder, an accomplished museum leader with experience in art museums, higher education, and national arts philanthropy, has been appointed Executive Director, effective December 1, 2025.

Ryder joins MMoA following her tenure as Director of Fellows and Cohort Programs at Art Bridges Foundation, a major national arts philanthropy dedicated to expanding access to American art. There, she launched and led the foundation’s signature programs supporting emerging museum leaders and institutional partnerships across the country. Previously, Ryder held management and curatorial roles at the Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University, and the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo, where she created the Community Gallery program to showcase and support local artists.

“Alana is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader who combines a deep understanding of the museum field with a genuine passion for community connection,” said Breck Perkins, President of Mystic Museum of Art’s Board of Directors. “Her national perspective, creative energy, and proven ability to build partnerships will be invaluable as we advance MMoA’s mission and strategic vision for the future.”

Ryder brings to MMoA a strong record of innovation in museum programming, leadership development, and audience engagement. At Art Bridges, she built a new department and oversaw program strategy and budget, helping partner museums across the United States strengthen access, equity, and professional pathways in the arts. Earlier in her career, she directed university and public programs at the Wexner Center, where she managed endowed lectures, major grants, and initiatives linking artists with academic and community audiences. Ryder holds multiple degrees, including an MBA from The Ohio State University; an MA in History with Museum Studies from SUNY Buffalo; and a BA in History of Art from the University of California, Berkeley.

“I am honored to join Mystic Museum of Art and to carry forward its legacy as a center for creativity and connection,” said Ryder. “Mystic’s artistic heritage and its active community of artists create a unique opportunity for dialogue, learning, and inspiration. I look forward to working with the board, staff, and community partners to expand the Museum’s reach and deepen its impact in the region and beyond.”

Ryder’s hire culminates a nationwide search that began earlier this year and was conducted by Dan Yaeger, Senior Search Consultant for Museum Search & Reference, an executive placement firm specializing in the North American Museum field.

MUSEUM HOURS:

January through March: Tuesday – Sunday, 11AM – 4PM

April through December: Monday – Sunday, 11AM – 5PM

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS:

Moving to Mystic

Now - December 14, 2025

Going Places

Now - December 14, 2025