Karen Kienzle

Karen Kienzle is a Faculty Lecturer in Museum Studies at San Francisco State University (SFSU) and Director of the Palo Alto Art Center. She teaches courses on Museum Audiences and Fundraising in Museums. Her work focuses on community outreach, exhibition curation, and arts programming.

Education: B.A. in History of Art from UC Berkeley (199?), M.A. in Museum Studies from SFSU (200?).

Research interests include audience development, interdisciplinary exhibitions, and diversity in cultural institutions. She emphasizes accessibility and collaboration in programming.

• Professional Experience:
• Director, Palo Alto Art Center (current role): Manages staff, budget, exhibitions, and community outreach.
• Assistant Director, de Saisset Museum (Santa Clara University): Curated exhibitions focusing on diversity and interdisciplinary themes.
• Curatorial roles at San Jose Museum of Art, Guggenheim, Oakland Museum, and Yerba Buena Center.

Awards: Recipient of the Athena Award (Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce).

Labs/Teams: Leads the Palo Alto Art Center team and contributes to SFSU’s Museum Studies program. Collaborates with the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation for fundraising and advocacy.