Presentation and reception with Bernheim's new Executive Director, Mark Wourms
Ph.D.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009, 6pm
in the Atrium Gallery
Free and open to the public
21c Museum will host an evening with the new Executive Director of Bernheim
Arboretum and Research Forest. Mark Wourms, Ph.D. will give a short slide
presentation and discuss the rich history and future possibilities of art at
Bernheim Arboretum.
Nature-inspired art has been a part of Bernheim from its founding. I.W. Bernheim
believed that love of nature and love of art could go hand in hand, and he saw
the institution he established in 1929 as a venue for high-quality artistic
expression. Bernheim has a long tradition of supporting the arts through various
initiatives such as its Artist-in-Residence program, Writer-in-Residence,
exhibitions, and community programs.
About Bernheim's New Executive Director
Hired in July 2008, Mark Wourms comes to Bernheim, the official arboretum of
Kentucky, after serving for the past four years in Pasadena as the Chief
Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. In his
own words, Wourms states, "I was attracted to Bernheim because it has dynamic
combinations of an arboretum and natural lands, science and art, community
service and private resource base, as well as conservation and education in the
mission."
Working closely with Bernheim staff, he is propelling the organization forward
in terms of community partnerships, land management, horticulture, corporate
support, arts activities and organizational visibility, all with an eye toward
creating, sharing and promoting healthy, eco-friendly ways of living.