Bio
David Schmitz specializes in using works of art and artistic processes to foster interdisciplinary learning in higher education and community settings. In his current role, Schmitz works with his University Museums colleagues, ISU faculty and staff, and university partners to deepen engagement with UM’s collections, exhibitions, and resources and increase their use in teaching and learning across university curricula.
Before joining University Museums, Schmitz served as director of the Iowa Arts Council, where he also previously managed community and public art programs. Schmitz has served as executive director of the Dubuque Museum of Art and held positions with the Des Moines Art Center and Chicago Artists’ Coalition. A trained visual artist, Schmitz has participated in numerous curatorial projects and juried arts festivals and served on local, regional, and national boards related to local and state arts councils and museums.
Schmitz welcomes conversations with ISU departments, faculty, and service units about their goals and can work collaboratively with University Museums curators and educators to identify the most appropriate exhibitions, objects, and learning experiences to meet their course goals.
Schmitz is also available for panels and speaking engagements on topics related to the purpose and value of the arts and museums in higher education and community contexts. At ISU, he has spoken as a visiting professional or presented in academic and community forums through University Museums, the ISU College of Design, and the Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities (CEAH). In prior roles, he has presented at state, regional, and national convenings, including the Iowa Museums Association and Association of Midwest Museums conferences.