Mazza names new director, assistant director

FINDLAY — The University of Findlay's Mazza Museum has announced Dan Chudzinski as its new director and Amanda Davidson-Johnston as assistant director, as of Aug. 1. Chudzinski received his bachelor of fine arts degree in sculpture and a bachelor of arts in history from Miami University, as well as a master of fine arts degree in three dimensional studies from Bowling Green State University. He is a four-time nominee and winner of the Chelsea Award from the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. Chudzinski has served at UF for 10 years, expanding the museum's influence through national exhibitions such as the National Academy of Sciences (Washington, D.C.), the Norman Rockwell Museum (Stockbridge, MA), the Delaware Art Museum (Wilmington, DE), and through a 2022 PBS feature documentary. Currently serving as Mazza's director of curation and exhibitions, Chudzinski will oversee day-to-day operations, work to enhance visitor experiences and serve as the ambassador of the Mazza Museum collection. He will continue to design gallery exhibitions and curate nearly 22,000 original works of art from picture books. Davidson-Johnston serves on the Ohio Museum Association Board of Trustees and is the head of the Northwest Ohio Emerging Museum Professionals Network. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in history from Cedarville University and is currently pursuing a master's degree in museum studies from John Hopkins University. As assistant director, Davidson-Johnston's duties will include marketing and continued management of Mazza's Funday Sunday events and community engagement, as well as expanding the museum's capacity for new programs and school offerings. "The impressive credentials of Dan and Amanda make me confident this jewel of our campus will continue to flourish under their leadership," vice president of University advancement Ken McIntyre Jr. said in a release from the university. "With their passion, talent, and commitment, it was clear to me our way forward needs to rest in their capable hands."