CLIENTS (partial)

Anne B. Thomas
Amtrak
Art Career Services
ArtTable, Inc. (pro bono)
Barnes Foundation
Brent D. Glass LLC
City of Durham, North Carolina
Clark University
Colorado Symphony (Denver)

Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy
Folger Shakespeare Library
Hanna Merrill Inc.
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Homeowner's Warranty Association
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
James T. Lewis Properties
PA Biotech
Museum of Science, Boston

20013–present
RUTH ABRAHAMS DESIGN
Washington, DC

2004-2013
PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART
Director of Editorial & Graphic Design
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Provided creative direction and design consulting for all communications, exhibitions, and signage for one of the nation’s most comprehensive Museums. Directed in-house creative team in developing and producing design solutions for the communication, interpretation, and implementation of strategic initiatives for the Museum, including graphic identities, branding, and design for all exhibitions (over 250) and programmatic initiatives.

Enhanced and supported the Museum’s curatorial, educational, fund-raising, executive, marketing, membership, and visitor services departments, as well as the website and other digital communications through the creative use of design. Designed, maintained, and produced permanent and temporary wayfinding and signage systems.

Created and implemented the first comprehensive graphic identity program for the Museum.

Managed permanent collection and exhibition label program as well as editing of all collateral materials and other Museum texts. Successfully put in place cross-departmental content management initiative.

2001-2004
RUTH ABRAHAMS DESIGN
Studio owner/Designer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Designed and produced collateral materials for clients including the The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston; University of Pennsylvania; The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Association; Colorado Symphony Orchestra; The Houston Museum of Natural Science; Museum of Science, Boston; National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati; Groton School, Massachusetts, and The Boston Conservatory.

1993-2001
ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM
Art Director
Boston, Massachusetts

Designed and produced all collateral materials for the Museum, including special exhibition catalogues; membership, fundraising, and special events materials; invitations, internal, external, and exhibition signage; web site, and Museum Shop products. Managed budgets, printers and other outside suppliers and designers. Worked closely with marketing department to create and maintain unified graphic identity. 

1988-1993
RUTH ABRAHAMS DESIGN
Studio owner/Designer
Washington, D.C., and Worcester, Massachusetts

Designed and produced materials for a variety of clients, including Amtrak (Annual Reports), biotechnology companies, economic development associations, and non-profit institutions. Helped identify and refine markets, focus message, and define design goals. Emphasized designer/client interaction, total project management, and successful design solutions that reflected the particular needs of each client.

1984-1988
MANNING, SELVAGE & LEE, WASHINGTON
Art Director
Washington, D.C.

Responsible for all printed communications in D.C. office of international public relations firm. Managed, designed, and produced collateral materials; collaborated on advertising copy and strategy; managed team of outside freelancers and suppliers. Clients included associations, hotels, economic development offices, real estate developers, and non-profit organizations.

EDUCATION
B.F.A., University of Michigan School of Art and Architecture, cum laude

Professional Organizations
American Institute of Graphic Arts, American Alliance of Museums, ArtTable: Board member and DC chapter cochair

ADDITIONAL CREDITS

Landing page: Cai Guo-Qiang: Fallen Blossoms
December 11, 2009–March 21, 2010
Photo: Lonnie Graham, courtesy The Fabric Workshop and Museum
Philadelphia Museum of Art © elPadawan
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston courtyard © John Kennard
Corcoran interior © Denny Henry

All exhibition installations for the Philadelphia Museum of Art designed by the department of Installation Design