“Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, doing things that might be uncomfortable or challenging, that’s what makes you grow as a person, and it’s what makes you grow professionally as well. I try very hard to be brave,” said Dr. Sara Stepp, the newly appointed interim director of the Mulvane Art Museum.
Stepp, who stepped into the role earlier this March, brings a fresh vision to the institution, rooted in her eight years of experience in museums and exhibition spaces. Since joining the Mulvane Art Museum in 2022 as academic curator, she has revitalized community engagement through interdisciplinary collaborations and object-based learning initiatives.
Her journey to leadership began in Texas, where she cultivated an early passion for the arts. She earned her undergraduate degree in art history and curatorial studies in Utah at BYU before moving to Kansas in 2015. At KU, she completed both her master’s and doctoral degrees in art history, laying the groundwork for her unique blend of academic rigor and hands-on museum work.
Stacy Ash, Education Coordinator at Mulvane Art Museum, emphasizes that Stepp is regarded as highly professional and commands great respect from her peers and colleagues at Washburn, as well as in the wider region. Both Ash and Stepp are graduates of KU, and Ash notes that members of the Lawrence community are also familiar with Stepp. Ash shares her admiration for Stepp’s ability to see and express connections in the world through exhibitions and writing.
“[Stepp] is really good at research, so she’s great at figuring out stuff,” Ash said. “She knows a lot of art history, and, of course, is an incredible curator. I am highly in awe of her curatorial abilities.“
Ash also praised Stepp’s ability to adapt and adjust her teaching style to different age groups.
“For simple capacity, I’ve had to bring in Sara to help out with some of my K-12 field trips, and I have watched her adjust in real time to talking about art with littles as opposed to talking about art with college students, and she’s a joy to watch,” Ash said.
As Stepp steps towards the new role of the interim director, a temporary position where she is overseeing a transitional period between the previous director and the future director, she shares her long-term goal of continuing to work at the Mulvane Art Museum, being part of spaces that connect communities with art.
In her role as interim director of the Mulvane Art Museum, Stepp emphasizes the importance of providing a clear vision and direction for the institution. She is committed to offering leadership that enables the museum to achieve its goals effectively. Her responsibilities encompass the development of exhibitions and the supervision of program development. She also oversees the care and growth of the museum’s art collection, ensuring its preservation and enhancement.
In addition to these duties, Stepp actively participates in fundraising initiatives, contributing to the museum’s financial sustainability. She is dedicated to supporting and advocating for her staff and fostering a collaborative and empowering environment within the organization.
Stepp shares her vision for the Mulvane Art Museum, including making it a valuable resource for the university and community, fostering a sense of connection and ownership, and growing the art collection. Furthermore, she expressed a desire to see Washburn students and members of the community develop a deep sense of connection to and ownership of the museum. She emphasized the importance of growing the collection in ways that showcase regional art while also bringing exemplary works from other places to enrich the experiences of the local community.
To achieve these visions, Stepp recognizes the importance of intentional communication with the community. She plans to solicit feedback from students and local residents, asking for their ideas on exhibitions and programs. This engagement strategy aims to ensure that the museum is responsive to the desires of its visitors, fostering a collaborative environment where the community feels heard and valued.
However, she also recognizes the challenges that come with this leadership position, particularly the steep learning curve of navigating administrative responsibilities.
“Some of the challenges I’ve faced so far have to do with the administrative aspects of my role, which I’m new to,” Stepp said. “Some aspects of organizational governance have a pretty steep learning curve.”
In terms of expanding the museum’s collection, Stepp is committed to staying informed about developments in the art field. She intends to conduct studio visits with local artists to gain insight into the creative practices emerging in the region. This hands-on approach is intended to help her identify exceptional artworks that can enhance the museum’s offerings.
Recognizing that acquiring new pieces often requires financial resources, Stepp will collaborate closely with the Washburn Foundation for fundraising and development efforts. Through these initiatives, she aims to secure the necessary funding to purchase original works from talented artists, and to make the museum relevant to both local and broader audiences.
Stepp shares that her love for art history started from a class that she took in college. She did not grow up in a family that regularly visited art museums, but when she took art history classes at college, she was excited by the conversations, which sparked a passion for art.
“Art is able to capture really particular personal experiences, and it’s also able to resonate really broadly. It’s able to connect people through our shared experiences,” Stepp said.
While discussing the importance of the museum’s location and audience, Stepp said “I love that it’s here at Washburn University. Its closeness and its connection to the university is such a strength. That audience of college students is perfect for a museum.” Stepp also highlights the importance of nurturing personal growth and enriching her experiences.
By actively seeking feedback from colleagues and friends, Stepp has gained a variety of perspectives that have expanded her understanding of the significance of humility, recognizing that one doesn’t have all the answers and the importance of being open to learning from others. This humility fosters collaboration and cultivates an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.
“I think it’s important to know when to ask for help and when to reach out to people who could provide me with assistance and with needed information,” Stepp said.
Marguerite Perret, professor of art, highlights Sarah’s impact as the academic curator at the Mulvane Art Museum, noting her success in reaching out to professors from various fields to curate exhibitions and bring diverse perspectives to the museum’s collection.
“[Stepp] is engaged with people in philosophy and biology, maybe some things that people would not think those professors would be interested, but they came and really curated exhibitions,” Perret said.
Perret expressed support for Stepp’s new role as interim director, acknowledging her suitability for the position.
“She’s the perfect person to come in and do this now, and we were all excited to work with her and help support her in this position,” Perret said.
Stepp’s appointment as the interim director of the Mulvane Art Museum marks an exciting new chapter for the institution. Her extensive background in art history, combined with her passion for community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, positions her to lead the museum into a dynamic future. As she aims to cultivate a deeper connection between the museum and the community, her vision and commitment are sure to inspire and enhance the cultural landscape at Washburn University and beyond. With a focus on accessibility, enrichment, and the preservation of the arts, Stepp is poised to make a meaningful impact in her role, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of those she serves.
Stepp encourages the community to visit the museum during open hours and public events, highlighting the great exhibitions currently on view. These exhibitions play a crucial role in fostering a connection between the museum and the community, providing a space for connection and cultural exchange. By showcasing diverse artistic expressions, they not only enrich the local culture but also inspire collaboration and engagement among residents.
Whether it’s visiting the museum to explore new exhibitions, participating in community programs, or sharing feedback on what they would like to see, everyone is encouraged to join in as every voice matters in shaping the future of this vibrant institution.
Edited by Reid McEvoy and Stuti Khadka.
