AMFA Hires Andrea Moon as New Windgate Art School Director

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) announces Andrea Moon as the new director of the museum’s Windgate Art School. Moon brings over 27 years of professional expertise to AMFA as a contemporary ceramic artist, sculptor, and educator. Moon was previously a lecturer of art at the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University and the director of education at Craft Alliance, both in St. Louis.

“Andrea’s expansive experience as an educator and ceramic artist and her passion for creating an accessible space for the community to create together makes her a perfect fit here at the Museum,” said Dr. Victoria Ramirez, AMFA’s Executive Director. “With her leadership, AMFA’s Windgate Art School will undoubtedly grow and embrace the creative spirit of our local community.”

With over 70 practicing artist instructors, AMFA’s Windgate Art School offers studio instruction in drawing, painting, ceramics, glass, metals, woodworking, and printmaking. Instruction is available for students of all ages and skill levels, with daytime and evening classes offered quarterly, as well as short-term and specialty workshops.

Moon will lead efforts to shape educational offerings and cultivate a dynamic, creative environment for students and emerging artists in AMFA’s Windgate Art School. In this role, Moon will oversee all aspects of the school, including the development and implementation of a strategic plan focused on the institution’s mission and values, and position AMFA as a nationally leading place for learning visual and performing arts.

"I believe in building relationships and helping others realize their potential through the education of craft and art,” said Moon. “It is with great excitement that I join the team at the Windgate Art School and look forward to interacting with its incredible students.”

Moon has held key leadership roles in the arts throughout her career, including positions as the residency and communications coordinator at the Red Lodge Clay Center in Red Lodge, Mont., and director of the International Artist Residency at The Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China.

Moon holds a bachelor of fine arts in 3D studies from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and a master’s degree of fine arts in ceramics & sculpture from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. She also completed graduate studies in ceramics at the University of South Carolina in Columbia and a post-baccalaureate study in ceramics at the University of Illinois, Urbana–Champaign.

Registration for the winter term at AMFA’s Windgate Art School is now open for adult and youth classes. Spring registration opens at noon on March 6, with AMFA Circle Society and Corporate Partners enjoying early registration access starting March 4 at noon. All multi-week classes are marked down by an average of 17% under the Reduced Tuition Program supported by Michael Laughter.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.

Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2025.

About the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts: 

Founded in 1937, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is the largest cultural institution of its kind in the state, offering a unique blend of visual, educational, and performing arts experiences. AMFA is committed to featuring diverse media and artistic perspectives within its permanent collection as well as through rotating temporary exhibitions. AMFA’s international collection spans eight centuries, with strengths in works on paper, and includes notable holdings by artists from Arkansas, the South, and across the United States and Europe.      

With a vibrant mix of ideas, cultures, people, and places, the museum extends its commitment to artistic diversity through the innovative Windgate Art School, a dynamic children’s theatre and performing arts program, and community-focused educational programs for all ages. Located in Little Rock’s oldest urban green space, MacArthur Park, AMFA’s landmark building and grounds are designed by Studio Gang and SCAPE, in collaboration with Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects.