The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) is pleased to announce its new Curator of Art Wendy Earle.

Wendy Earle comes to SECCA from the Museum of the Southwest in Midland, Texas where she was previously the Curator of Collections and Exhibitions. Her background includes an extensive study of art history and Ancient American art. She received both her Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts in Art History. She also brings to SECCA a background in nonprofit leadership, management and fundraising.

Earle's interest in contemporary art stems from the inspiration of working with living artists. "I love the process of seeing artists respond in the moment and in the environment," said Earle, who has relocated to Winston-Salem with her fiancée Kevin, a civil engineer.

She continued, "Contemporary art is not just one thing. It's open to different definitions and is constantly challenging us."

One reason moving to Winston-Salem was appealing was that it reminded her of growing up in Cleveland, Ohio. As an avid outdoor hiker, she appreciates the change of seasons and the nearby foothills and mountains.

Her love of art began in childhood. Her fondest childhood memories were of visiting museums on the weekend. "I've always seen art as a way of traveling the world and experiencing other cultures," said Earle, who spent time studying pre-Columbian art in Lima, Peru during her Master's program at The University of Texas at Austin.

Her work with ancient art showed her the useful, purposeful role art played in ancient cultures through its uses in everyday life: pots, tools, murals that tell stories, and for religious worship. "In ancient America, art was representational of cultures – it's what defines a time in history as unique. Today, contemporary art can take many forms – you can have physical pieces of art to very conceptual expressions," said Earle.

Earle looks forward to curating exhibits that explore where SECCA fits in the future. She believes SECCA doesn't have to be defined by its physical space. "I see great potential in doing more installations on our grounds and beyond our campus out in the community."

Earle also recognizes the family-friendly atmosphere of the city and the Triad region. "I have a passion for where art and science intersect, especially as a way to introduce children to the world of art." She continued, "I'm definitely thinking about how to engage more with families. Because contemporary art takes many forms, it can be confusing or even intimidating. We want to remove that mystery," she said.