Nonprofit educational group Art Jewelry Forum (AJF) has appointed Yvonne Montoya (pictured) as its new executive director.

She will begin in the role Dec. 7.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Montoya holds a Master of Fine Arts in metals from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art history and criticism from the University of California, San Diego.

She has 15 years of experience in leadership positions in nonprofit community arts organizations, private art studios, and for-profit businesses. She has spent time in Japan, France, Italy, and Mexico, where she worked for the Mérida Contemporary Art Museum.

“We’re proud to say that the baton is being passed from one incredible leader to another,” said Raïssa Bump and Sienna Patti, board co-chairs. “Yvonne brings to this job an exceptional combination of strong communication skills, energy, and passion for the arts and jewelry.”

She follows Rebekah Frank, the group’s first-ever executive director, who has held the role since 2015 and has been with the group since 2012.

A statement said that under Frank’s leadership, Art Jewelry Forum “built on its strengths, developed new programs, and grew its membership. Her hard work, focus, and passion have guided the organization to a place of new growth and stability, positioning Art Jewelry Forum solidly as the world’s premier community for art jewelry collectors and enthusiasts.”

Founded in 1997 by Susan Cummins, Art Jewelry Forum is a nonprofit organization that aims to spread awareness of and increase appreciation for the art of jewelry through education, discourse, and support for its practitioners; that support includes issuing awards and grants.

“I’m deeply honored to have been chosen to lead Art Jewelry Forum,” said Montoya in a statement. “I greatly admire the work that has been done thus far and am excited to join forces with this dynamic and growing organization.”

(Image courtesy of Art Jewelry Forum)

Rob Bates

JCK News Director