Art Academy alum Hurst returns home to lead exhibitions program

Art Academy of Cincinnati alum Michael Hurst is coming home.

The 2002 painting graduate is returning to his alma mater to lead the university’s exhibitions program, overseeing gallery operations, exhibition programming and public events across the Over-the-Rhine campus’s three galleries and the SITE1212 event space. He’ll guide shows from concept to installation while supporting openings, public programs and community engagement initiatives.

University leaders say the role will help shape AAC’s public presence by connecting students, faculty, visiting artists, alumni and the broader Cincinnati community through exhibitions and events.

“Michael’s expertise in curatorial practice, art preparation, and museum operations will be instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of our exhibition program,” said Sarah Stolar, herself an AAC alum who returned to the university last year to serve as executive director of academic affairs and academic dean.

Back to where it all started

A museum professional and practicing artist with 20 years of experience, Hurst has built a career around creating opportunities for artists and audiences. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from AAC in 2002 and went on to receive his Master of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2007.

Over the years, Hurst has installed artwork in institutions ranging from the Smithsonian to city museums, as well as in national collections at foreign embassies and private collections.

Much of his career has unfolded in Cincinnati. Hurst spent 13 years at 21c Museum Hotel, joining the team in October 2012, a month before the downtown property opened to the public. He helped build the hotel’s contemporary art program from the ground up and went on to lead exhibition planning, logistics, artist support and installations.

That work, the university said, reflects AAC’s mission to create and sustain “radical, forward thinking, contemporary visual artists and designers whose creative contributions make a substantial difference in all the lives they touch.”

Now, Hurst returns to the school where his career began, aiming to carry that mission forward one exhibition at a time.on forward one exhibition at a time.

“We are thrilled to welcome him to this leadership role as we continue to elevate the work of our students, faculty, alumni and artists across the country,” Stolar said.

Art Academy of Cincinnati