BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Sun Valley Museum of Art’s new director of Learning & Engagement is looking forward to partnering with local schools, artists and organizations to develop initiatives that empower youth and reflect the Wood River Valley’s diverse voices.

Dianne Sanchez Shumway, an artist, educator and researcher with more than 15 years of experience, started this week at the Sun Valley Museum of Art.

“We are super excited to have her,” said Ava Scanlan, spokesperson for The Museum.

Raised by Colombian-American parents in Idaho and Florida, Sanchez Shumway is excited to return to her roots to lead the SVMoa’s education and community engagement efforts. She earned her undergraduate degree in Art Teaching and Photography from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, awarded the Most Outstanding Senior there.

She worked as a research assistant for community-based arts programs and collaborated on mural projects in Salt Lake City. She also secured grants to develop photography programs for refugee communities in South Salt Lake while there, during which time she was given the Dan Wendelboe Continuous Community Service Award from the Bennion community Service Center.

She earned a Master’s degree in Arts in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on Immigration, Education and Identity; Leadership in Social-Change Organizations, and Education-Sector Nonprofits. She is now completing her dissertation in the Art and Art Education EdD program at Teachers College at Columbia University.

“My whole career has been about using art to build connections, whether through murals, community projects or teaching,” she said. “This role offers a unique opportunity to bring everything I’ve learned back to a place that has shaped who I am.”