Museum of Indian Arts & Culture hires new educator to boost visitor experience

February 12th, 2024

Santa Fe, NM – The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is thrilled to announce the newest addition to its team, Emily Berkes who will serve as the museum’s new family and programs educator.  With a passion for art history and contemporary art, Emily brings a wealth of experience and innovative ideas to elevate the museum’s educational programs. She started in this role on January 20. 

 In this role, Emily will be responsible for developing and implementing engaging programs, taking the lead on engaging children and their peers, families, teachers, and other adults with exhibits at MIAC. She will assist in summer programming, volunteer training, and Sunday Fun Day, among other projects. All the while helping MIAC provide more ways for young visitors to enjoy the museum and learn about Indigenous peoples of the Southwest. 

 “We are thrilled to have Emily join us at MIAC. Her commitment to education and enthusiasm for Indigenous art align perfectly with our mission to provide enriching experiences for visitors of all ages,” said Marita Hinds, director of education.  

 Emily Berkes is from San Antonio, Texas. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Art History with a minor in Anthropology at the University of Texas at Arlington. She went on to complete her Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her focus throughout her Master’s career was contemporary art of Indigenous peoples in North America, primarily contemporary Indigenous women’s porcupine quillwork and beadwork. She is interested in creating spaces for the work of contemporary Indigenous artists in museums and similar institutions. She is excited for her new role and is eager to collaborate with Indigenous communities in New Mexico and beyond. 

 Visitors can look forward to upcoming events led by Emily, including Sunday Funday. The museum remains committed to providing enriching educational experiences that inspire a lifelong love for and understanding of the artistic, cultural, and intellectual achievements of the diverse peoples of the Native Southwest.   

About the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture 

The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and our donors. The mission of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology is to serve as a center of stewardship, knowledge, and understanding of the artistic, cultural, and intellectual achievements of the diverse peoples of the Native Southwest.