ARTIST TALK: LAURIE LAMBRECHT

Laurie Lambrecht is a visual artist based in Bridgehampton, NY.  She studied at Marymount College, The University of Colorado and the Visual Studies Workshop before working as an assistant to Roy Lichtenstein (1990-1992). During this period she photographed the artist and his process. “Roy Lichtenstein in His Studio” the monograph of her project was published by Monacelli Press in 2011.  Lambrecht has had numerous solo exhibits in the US and internationally. Her work resides in public collections including Guild Hall, The National Gallery of Art, The Portland Art Museum, The Parrish Art Museum and The Center for Creative Photography. Embracing photography and fiber arts her artwork explores her reverence for the natural world especially of trees and her interest in the creative spirit and art history. She has been an artist in residence at the Rauschenberg Residency, the Watermill Center, and the American Academy in Rome. She is the recent recipient of a project grant from NYSCA.

https://www.laurielambrecht.com/ 
@laurielambrechtstudio

Photo: Margaret Fox

Melanie Crader joined Guild Hall in Summer of 2023 as the inaugural director of visual arts as Guild Hall opened its newly renovated galleries. Recently, she served as deputy director at the Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill, NY, where she also served as interim director. For 8 years prior, Melanie held the role of Director of Exhibitions and Publication Management at the Hammer Museum, UCLA, Los Angeles, where she was responsible for financial and administrative oversight of all curatorial initiatives, exhibitions, and publications. Managing the institution’s renowned exhibition program, she collaborated with local, national, and international institutional partners including The Met, Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, Brooklyn Museum, MCA Chicago; Walker Art Center, Stedelijk Museum, and Pinacoteca de São Paulo.

During six years at the Menil Collection in Houston, she managed the operating budget and exhibition program, led a variety of special projects including institutional publications, oversaw major digital infrastructure initiatives, and implemented long-term budget planning for building projects and a capital campaign. Before entering the non-profit sector, Melanie worked in the marketing and communications department of an international investment company.

Originally from Louisiana, Melanie Crader, an artist and educator who taught at the university level, holds MFA from Ohio University, Athens; BA from McNeese State University, Lake Charles, LA; and attended the Banco Santander W30 Program, UCLA Anderson School of Management. She is a member of the American Exhibition Organizers and served on the Steering Committee from 2017 to 2021. For several years, she served on the Board of Directors and was an Artist Board Member of DiverseWorks Art Space, Houston.

Photo: Lori Hawkins