Elissa Auther

Elissa Auther is the Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and William & Mildred Lasden Chief Curator at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), with an academic affiliation as Adjunct Professor at Bard Graduate Center (BGC). Her career bridges curatorial practice, feminist art scholarship, and design history.

• Authored String, Felt, Thread, redefining craft's role in American art
• Co-directed Feminism & Co.: Art, Sex, Politics public program (2007-2017)
• Curated exhibitions like Surface/Depth and Vera Paints A Scarf!

Her research explores intersections of craft, design, and contemporary art, with historical focus on modernism's material culture and feminist movements. At BGC, she teaches courses connecting these disciplines.

Previously held academic positions include Associate Professor of Modern and Contemporary Art History at the University of Colorado. Current work emphasizes exhibition programming, acquisitions, and expanding MAD's institutional impact.