ON THE OUTSKIRTS of Washington, D.C., the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA) in Reston, Va., appointed Jonell Logan executive director and curator, effective Oct. 28.
“I am excited to join Tephra ICA at this dynamic point in its history. We are committed to the legacy of supporting local and national/international artists in concrete ways while looking to the future. I can’t wait for what’s next,” Logan said in a statement.
A curator, arts advocate, and nonprofit leader originally from New York, Logan earned an MFA from Brooklyn College.
Most recently, she served as vice president and creative director at the McColl Center in Charlotte, N.C. (2020-23). She was also director of education and public programs at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. Earlier, Logan worked in education roles at New York museums.
“Jonell is an established and innovative leader, bringing exceptional curatorial, management, and fundraising experience gained at respected institutions in our sector,” Tephra ICA Board Chair Robert Goudie said in a statement.
“Add to that her national reach, and even amidst a deep and strong candidate pool she stood out. We took the unusual step of entering into a five-year commitment, reflecting our belief in her and her belief in Tephra ICA. That stability will be especially important as we seek during that time to identify and close on our new home in Reston, an American Alliance of Museums-accredited and larger space that will allow us to expand what we can deliver to the region. We are thrilled to have a leader of such accomplishment and vision bring Tephra ICA into the next decade of our evolution.”
“I am excited to join Tephra ICA at this dynamic point in its history. We are committed to the legacy of supporting local and national/international artists in concrete ways while looking to the future. I can’t wait for what’s next.” — Jonell Logan
Founded in 1974, Tephra ICA is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Formerly known as the Greater Reston Arts Center, the nonprofit and non-collecting institution adopted its new name in 2021. Tephra ICA’s exhibition history includes “Dominic Chambers: What Makes the Earth Shake” (2022). An installation by Ebony G. Patterson, “…three kings weep…” is currently on view through Dec. 14. CT
IMAGE: Jonell Logan. | Courtesy Tephra ICA
FIND MORE On Nov. 21, Tephra ICA is hosting a conversation with Valerie Cassel Oliver, the Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Va.
BOOKSHELF
Published earlier this year, “Dominic Chambers: Birthplace” is the artist’s first monograph. “Ebony G. Patterson: things come to thrive… in the shedding… and the molting” documents the artist’s recent exhibition at the New York Botanical Garden. Also consider, “Ebony G. Patterson: …while the dew is still on the roses…”
