Leeann Ream

Leeann Ream has graduated with an MA in Museum and Exhibition Studies from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2023. Before attending the MUSE program at UIC, Leeann earned a BFA in Studio Arts from Bowling Green State University, where her thesis exhibition focused on drawing the figure from observation. Her undergraduate experience was supported by multiple grants from the university's Center for Undergraduate Research, a residency at the New York Academy of Art, student work in the university galleries, multiple exhibition opportunities, as well as awards for both artistic talent and leadership. After graduating, she began work at the Toledo Museum of Art where she was promoted to Visitor Experience Supervisor. While at TMA, she was awarded Employee of the Month for safely relaunching the volunteer program post-COVID shutdown. While at UIC, Leeann has held multiple assistantships. Recently, she has also worked as a Research Assistant at the Chicago History Museum and a Fellowship with Independent Curators International. Her MA experience has been supported by grants from the Graduate Student Council where she serves as a program representative as well as a MUSE Travel grant. She has moderated the 2021 International Visual Literacy Conference as well as presented People, Property, and the Panopticon: Envisioning the Post-Museum through Decolonial Marxist Analysis of Museum Collections at the 2022 Inclusive Museum conference. Her thesis will be centered on issues of workers' rights in museums, Marxist art historical interpretation, and community engagement.