Sarah Story
University of MS, Honors College
University of New Orleans, MA Arts Administration
Sarah Story became Executive Director of the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum in April 2018. The UMLAUF is a not-for-profit art museum and sculpture garden located in the heart of Austin, TX that exhibits the work of Charles Umlauf, his influences, and other contemporary artists. Story has expanded the exhibitions, programs, and led the institution through a rebranding which has increased museum attendance by 35% in the past year.
Story was working at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art as Deputy Director of from 2015 – 2018, and the Project Coordinator from 2012- 2014. Before the Ogden Museum, she worked as Curator of Education at the University of Mississippi Museum and Historic Houses from 2010-2014 where she initiated an internship program with the College of Education, Nutrition and Hospitality Management and Department of Art to serve the Museum’s K-12 educational programs. She received a BFA in painting from the University of Mississippi in 2011, and a Masters in Arts Administration at the University of New Orleans in 2015.
Story believes museums are an asset to the community because they bring people from diverse lifestyles and backgrounds into a place that allows for contemplation, interaction, participation and discussion. Art can be a nonthreatening catalyst to spark productive conversations and interactions. She enjoys leading museums to operate efficiently in order to have the most impact possible in exhibitions, programs, and events for the community.
Since arriving in Austin, Story was a graduate of the Leadership Austin Emerge 2019 class and served on the City Council appointed Zilker Park Parking Solutions working group. Story is currently serving on the Visit Austin Foundation Board, LGBT Chamber Arts Committee, Butler Trail Arts Committee, and volunteers for the SLA Foundation.
Current occupation: Executive Director, Mississippi Arts Commission, Jackson, MS
You can follow Sarah on Instagram, @sarah_story_museumlife!