Melissa Mowery has been named the aquatics director at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, in Whitefish Bay. Mowery has more than 14 years of professional experience in waterpark operations, lifeguard management and aquatic safety.
“We are thrilled to add someone with Melissa’s expertise and experience to our award-winning aquatics team,” said Carolyn Destache, director of health, recreation and fitness at the JCC. “She has worked in just about every aspect of aquatics, and her expertise in waterpark operations will be a tremendous asset at our Hy & Richard Smith JCC Water Park in Mequon this summer.”
Pepich celebrates 35 years at Racine Art Museum
The Racine Art Museum (RAM)in Racine, Wisconsin recently marked the 35th anniversary of Bruce Pepich as its executive director and curator of collections. Pepich oversees all aspects of RAM’s nationally recognized collections, exhibitions and education programs in of contemporary crafts and works on paper.
Under Pepich’s directorship, the institution raised $10.1 million to build and open RAM in 2003, and raised an additional $5 million in 2005-07 to increase RAM’s operating endowment. Today, RAM is home to a collection of more than 5,000 works from internationally recognized artists in ceramics, fibers, glass, metals and wood, as well as painting, sculpture and works on paper. He has also further cultivated RAM’s reputation in the field of contemporary art and made the museum an important area attraction, bringing visitors to Southeastern Wisconsin from all over the nation and around the world.
Pepich is a published writer and has served on over 50 jury panels for national and international art competitions. He currently volunteers as a peer reviewer for the American Association of Museums and is a Board member of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Milwaukee.
"I am grateful to this institution and its community for their long-term support of my efforts on behalf of this field. RAM has been able to accomplish many goals in the past 25 years through the benefit of consistent leadership and collaborative supporters. As a community, we can be proud of our unparalleled achievements." Pepich said, "I look forward to the new projects and programs we have planned for our audiences."
