Brownsville native Jack LeSieur began as a collection’s manager at the Downing Museum in 2014 before being promoted to director in 2016.
At Western Kentucky University, he studied Interior Design and Anthroplogy as an undergraduate and focused on Folk Studies and Historic Preservation for his master’s degree.
He’s been a delivery driver, law runner, bartender, artist, musician—to name a few—and fell in love with museums when he got the chance to catalog and work with cultural objects. Through his work with the Kentucky Museum, he learned about working with children and adults in the museum setting.
“Seeing children inspired by history, art and music was a big driver for me,” he said.
He’s been praised for introducing innovate programming to the Downing Museum, including working with the Boys and Girls Club of Bowling Green to establish a quarterly art club.
All who work alongside Jack say he’s energetic and tackles projects at full-speed, always open to finding new solutions and bringing innovation to work.
“I really try to make the Downing Museum a place where anyone can enjoy themselves,” he said. “Implementing programming that allows people to work with their hands and create memories is the most valuable learning experience. I love being able to teach people, children especially, about how art can be a tool for self-expression, social change and therapy.”
He was deeply inspired by the late Jerry E. Baker, Baker Arboretum and Downing Museum founder, to always be unconditionally charitable.
“When I was a teenager, success most definitely meant money,” he said. “As I’ve grown older, success has evolved to mean generating happiness and positive change in the world. That is why I am so proud to work for a nonprofit charitable organization. Giving back is truly at the core of our mission at the Downing Museum.”
