Alana H. Ryder has assumed the role of executive director at the Mystic Museum of Art in Connecticut, marking a significant leadership transition for the century-old institution. Ryder officially began her tenure on December 1, succeeding Susan Fisher, who retired in May after six years at the helm. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the museum, which evolved from the Mystic Art Association—founded in 1913 by artist Charles Harold Davis—into a full-fledged museum in 2016. Museum officials express confidence that Ryder's extensive background in arts administration and community engagement will help elevate the institution's regional and national profile.

From her first day, Ryder encountered evidence of the museum's growing influence when she discovered a note informing her that PBS Rhode Island's "Treasures Inside the Museum" would be filming on site. This immediate validation of the museum's significance reinforced her belief that the Mystic Museum of Art has substantial untapped potential. In interviews, Ryder emphasized the collective ambition among staff and board members to expand the museum's reach and impact. She noted a shared enthusiasm for broadening the scope of exhibitions, enhancing outdoor programming, and increasing visibility far beyond the local community.

The Mystic Museum of Art's journey from a modest artists' collective to a respected cultural institution spans more than a century. The Mystic Art Association initially provided exhibition space starting in 1931, gradually building a reputation for robust studio programs and educational outreach. Ryder expressed particular admiration for this legacy, highlighting the organization's consistent artist involvement and compelling exhibition history as key factors that attracted her to the position. She believes regional museums like Mystic play a vital role in the daily cultural life of their communities and can serve as essential gathering spaces for creative expression.

Ryder's path to museum leadership began during her teenage years in New England. While spending a summer in Buffalo with relatives, she interned at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, an experience that introduced her to museum operations. After earning her bachelor's degree in art history from the University of California, Berkeley, she returned to Buffalo to work in education and public programs at the Burchfield Penney. The small staff size allowed her to gain comprehensive experience in grant writing, curating exhibitions, and organizing events. This foundation prepared her for subsequent roles at Cornell University's Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art and the Wexner Center for the Arts at Ohio State University, where she worked with renowned contemporary artists including Jenny Holzer, Maya Lin, and filmmaker John Waters.

During her time at Ohio State, Ryder earned her MBA while directing university and public programs at the Wexner Center. She then joined the Art Bridges Foundation, established by Walmart heiress Alice Walton, where she created the Art Bridges Fellows Program. This initiative provides fully funded three-year positions at partner museums nationwide, reflecting Ryder's commitment to expanding access to American art. Breck Perkins, president of the Mystic Museum's Board of Directors, praised Ryder as a dynamic and forward-thinking leader whose national perspective and partnership-building skills will prove invaluable.

Looking ahead, Ryder's primary responsibility involves implementing the museum's recently developed strategic plan. Key objectives include diversifying the narratives and voices represented in exhibitions and programs while expanding audience engagement. She joins what she describes as a "small but mighty curatorial team" currently finalizing details for the 2026 exhibition calendar and developing long-term programming strategies. Ryder expressed confidence that her cumulative experiences have prepared her to guide the Mystic Museum of Art into its next chapter of growth and deeper community integration.