$10 general admission/ $5 members, students/ Free for members at the $125 level and above

Karleen Gardner is Director of Learning Innovation at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), serves on the leadership team, and collaborates to develop and implement institutional strategies and impactful community-focused initiatives that foster critical and creative thinking skills, empathy, and global competence. With a visitor-centered emphasis, she works with cross-functional teams to create accessible and relevant programs, in-gallery content, and engaging experiences both onsite and offsite for people of all ages and abilities. Gardner is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences, and is a peer reviewer for the Journal of Museum Education. She received an MA in Art History from the University of Mississippi, and an MS in Museum Education Leadership from Bank Street College.

The Innovative Thinker Lecture is an annual presentation established in honor of SITE’s former Director of Education, Juliet Myers. This lecture highlights the significant work of a visionary educator in the field of contemporary art.