New curator begins work at art museum

Nikki Ranney began work as curator of the Cedarburg Art Museum on Monday, Feb. 2.

Ranney has an “impressive blend of curatorial experience, scholarly training and hands-on museum practice,” according to Executive Director John Bauer.

She holds a master’s degree in art history from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she pursued the curatorial track, and a bachelor of fine arts degree from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, graduating with honors.

Her academic work is complemented by extensive experience with respected institutions, including the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum and the Captain Frederic Pabst Mansion.

Ranney served as a research assistant for the Milwaukee Art Museum’s landmark exhibition “The Bradley Collection of Modern Art,” contributing original research and writing to the official exhibition catalog.

She has also curated exhibitions independently, including her graduate thesis exhibition, “Saintly: Christian Women in Early Modern Europe,” which set attendance records at UWM’s Mathis Gallery.

Ranney has strong collections management experience, a collaborative spirit and a genuine passion for regional art and history — qualities that align with CAM’s mission and community-centered approach, Bauer said.

The museum at W63 N675 Washington Ave. is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.