Hi everyone! I’m Kirsten Hahn, the new Education Programs Coordinator for the Old Jail Art Center. I am super excited to be on the team and to meet members of my new community. I thought I would use this blog post to introduce myself.
I grew up in Lewisville, Texas taking weekend trips to the Dallas Museum of Art at least once a month. I always loved museums and art growing up, but didn't know exactly where my interests would take me. When I graduated high school I packed my bags for Austin to attend the University of Texas as a film student! Somewhere along the way I also added journalism to my degree as I fell in love with photojournalism.
I was working media jobs here and there in college from Texas Parks and Wildlife to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, when I finally got a job working for Landmarks, the Public Art Program at UT. It was great working with the Landmarks team and it made me realize my interest in museum education especially with an emphasis on art. One thing that really compelled me to the OJAC was its mission for free and accessible art which the world always needs more of.
Moving out to West Texas has already been quite a culture shock. I have come to find out that I am still deadly allergic to mesquite trees- which Albany has plenty of!
But I am already settling in and enjoying the small-town life. Hearing the church bells ring every 30 minutes is one of my favorite parts so far. I am super excited to be working at the Old Jail and have already been out on a couple of school visits. I can't wait to meet everyone else at events, activities, and festivals.
Don't be afraid to come say hi to a new face!
Kirsten Hahn, Education Programs Coordinator