Christopher Leitch Email & Phone Number

Kansas City, Missouri Area

Management and programming consultation for small and medium-sized not-for-profits and museums.- Exhibit Content Development and Project Management- Research and WritingProjects include: The Art Institute of the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Good Samaritan Project, Lighton International Artists Exchange Program, University of Missouri Libraries, the Paul Mesner Puppets, the Klein Collection at the Temple, Congregation B'Nai Jehudah.Recent Exhibits and Programs Researched, Curated, Organized“An Angel in America: Remembering Jaymes Leahy” An Exhibit in Two Parts Fine art and archival exhibit documenting the creative life and work of an alumnus of KCAI.“Cooking from Memory: Pictures and Stories about Families and Food” A participatory community project developed with Wave Pool-Welcome Project in Cincinnati. Presented in Cincinnati, OH and Kansas City, MO Includes the exhibit component “Where are we from? What do we eat?“A Treasured Legacy: The Michael Klein Collection” Exhibit design / installation at The Temple / Congregation B’nai Jehudah.“GLAMA at 10: A Decade of Discovery” Exhibit research and writing for presentation at UMKC University Libraries.Documentary exhibit of the founding and growth of the definitive collection of regional LGBTQ history.“Finding Alvin Ailey: The Allan Gray Collection at the Black Archives” The only exhibit to-date of archival materials from the studio of the famed choreographer.“Musica es mi Primer Amor: The Lupe Gonzalez Orchestra” Original exhibit documenting career of Kansas City-based Mexican American orchestra leader. “Crossing Borders: History, Culture and Identity in Contemporary Australian Textile Art” Nationally touring exhibit organized with Australia Arts Council and Kansas City-based ExhibitsUSABelger Arts Center and LIAEP “desire: 37 artists, 22 countries, 6 continents” Presented in partnership with the National Conference for Education in the Ceramic Arts - NCECA

Overland Park, Ks

Communication, media relations, volunteer/member liaison for 13-branch County library system.- Organizational Public Information Officer media relations for print, broadcast, new media outlets.- Special internal and external communication planning for system-wide, large scale projects such as building renovation, library master planning, hours changes and new service introductions.- Liaison with Board and staff, Friends of Johnson County Library.- Department interim manager during organizational restructuring.- Organizational communication liaison for County-level PIO group.

Union Station Kansas City / Kansas City Museum at Corinthian Hall, Historic House-Museum Director Direction, management and operation of a five-building, 3-5 acre historic site in urban Kansas City. Strategic planning, program conceptualization and implementation, for public programs interpreting local and regional history for audiences of all ages. Participate in development and fundraising among public and private entities, as well as advise on budgeting tax levy that supports Museum operations. Advise on marketing, retail operations, community outreach. Liaison with city offices involved with the management of the city-owned and privately-operated facility.

Belger Arts Center for Creative Studies, Consulting Program Manager Accountable for project review and exhibit planning for a developing interdisciplinary arts center for the University of Missouri system. Plan and implement exhibits of works of art, design and electronic media. Oversee development of community education programs based on collection and special exhibitions. Editorial director for public information and publications. Establish policy guidelines and review process for projects representing diverse campus and community constituents.

Kansas City Art Institute Kansas City, Missouri- Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs/Special ProgramsDeveloped curriculum, hired and supervised faculty and staff. Grant writing and reporting for public and private funding. Coordinated visiting artist programs with academic department chairs and professional community constituents. Wrote, designed and produced marketing collateral for national distribution. Developed and implemented marketing strategy for special programs. Planned and directed credit and non-credit courses for adult, high school and elementary school-aged artists on- and off-campus.- Assistant Director of Exhibitions and Collections, Charlotte Crosby Kemper Gallery Editorial assistant for public information and exhibition publications. Curated, designed and installed exhibitions of contemporary art, design and electronic media. Managed fine art collection storage and installation. Managed gallery preparatorial and security staff. Grant writing and reporting for public and private funding. Conference and meeting management.- Manager, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and DesignParticipated in design and construction consultation of a new building by Gunnar Birkerts. Managed production of interactive digital history of the Museum’s conceptualization, design and construction. Coordinated, designed and installed Museum inaugural exhibitions and education projects. Developed and implemented review and selection criteria for alumni-oriented Museum Sales Shop. Grant writing and reporting. Designed and produced publications.

Ma, Visual Arts / Critical Theory

Bfa, Textile Design

Activities and Societies: Student Aide in Kemper Gallery, assisting with organization and presentation of artist lectures and other public.

Fine Arts And Art History

Activities and Societies: Dean's List, President's Honor Role