We are thrilled to share the news that Benjamin Hickey, Class of 2004 with a degree in history and minors in classics and art history, has been appointed the new executive director of CEPA Gallery.From CEPA Gallery’s Facebook post: “After an extensive national search, the board of trustees for The Center for Exploratory & Perceptual Arts (CEPA Gallery) announces the hiring of its next Executive Director, Ben Hickey. A skilled administrator with an excellent curatorial pedigree, Hickey brings 19 years of experience to CEPA. Most recently, he served as Interim Director at the Hilliard Art Museum in Lafayette, Louisiana. During his seven years as Curator at the Hilliard, he also served as a member of the leadership team responsible for the museum’s inaugural American Alliance of Museums accreditation. Hickey’s biography is available here.
As an artist-founded gallery, CEPA has a long history of supporting experimental and ground-breaking artists who have changed the world of photography. Hickey’s hire will kick off a year-long 50th anniversary celebration. Community outreach and education, as well as access to excellent studio facilities for photographic artists, will continue to be a point of emphasis for CEPA.
Hickey will work for an engaged board of directors and lead a talented staff composed of some of Western New York’s most up-and-coming arts professionals. Hickey says, “Our capacity for collaboration is amazing. Current partners include Roswell Park, WNY Council on Occupational Safety and Health, and the Buffalo AKG Art Museum among others.”
Hickey concluded, “I am especially eager to begin a new era of robust, boundary-pushing exhibitions with strong educational components. I want CEPA to thrive and turn heads.”
We are so proud of Ben’s accomplishments and eagerly await his return to Western New York!
Submitted by: Yvonne K. Widenor, Assistant Professor, Art History, MLLC, AVPAA, Director, ArtsCanisius
