June 6, 2025—As the Miller Art Museum celebrates its 50th year serving Door County and the surrounding region, the organization is proud to announce two key additions to its team, reinforcing its commitment to the Peninsula’s creative community. Door County-based artist and creative professional Leah Karrels has been named the new Dome House Artist Residency Program Coordinator for the Dome House Al & Mickey Quinlan Artist Residency, which is presented in collaboration with the Quinlan family, and William Patterson University student Abigail Herring has been appointed as the museum’s Summer 2025 Curatorial Intern.
“These appointments reflect a larger vision for the museum’s future,” said Elizabeth Meissner-Gigstead, Executive Director. “We’re entering a new chapter at the museum—one that requires thoughtful, talented people to help bring our developing programs to life. These appointments are not just about filling roles—they’re about expanding our impact.”
Leah Karrels to Facilitate Dome House Artist Residency
The museum has appointed Leah Karrels as its Dome House Artist Residency Program Coordinator, a role focused on supporting artists in residence for the 8-week summer program that takes place in Door County’s iconic Dome House on the shores of Lake Michigan in Whitefish Bay.
A creative entrepreneur and working artist, Karrels brings a deep and personal connection to the Door County arts community, along with a broad range of skills in marketing, event planning, design, and fine arts. Her professional background includes roles with Cream City Clay, the David Barnett Gallery, and her own business, Karrels Design, which serves Door County businesses with photography, website development, and digital marketing.
Karrels will oversee the logistics, public programming, and community engagement aspects of the residency, acting as the primary liaison between the selected artist and museum staff.
“I’m excited to contribute not only my organizational and creative skills but also my passion for supporting artists in their need for time, space, and connection,” Karrels said. “This program is a gem for the region, and I look forward to helping it grow.”
The Dome House Artist Residency, launched in partnership with the Quinlan family in 2021, provides visual artists with the time and resources to develop their practice while engaging with the cultural and environmental landscape of Door County. Karrels’ appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the museum continues building capacity for long-term impact.
Abigail Herring Joins as Curatorial Intern
Herring, a BFA candidate at William Paterson University with a concentration in Studio Art, will spend ten weeks immersed in hands-on curatorial work and arts administration. Although her studies occur in New Jersey, she grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin, and spends her summers in her hometown. She discovered the opportunity while seeking a meaningful introduction to museum work.
“I’m excited to put my degree to use,” Herring said. “This is such a great opportunity—not only professionally, but academically. I spent a lot of time in Door County growing up, so I was thrilled to receive such a warm and welcoming response from the Miller Art Museum.”
Herring will support research and writing for the museum’s forthcoming late fall exhibition, Mise-en-Scène | Patrick Farrell: Setting the Stage, and will contribute to exhibition development and installation, art handling, research, collections management, and public engagement initiatives.
“This internship is designed to be a meaningful, hands-on experience,” Meissner-Gigstead noted. “Abby’s presence will touch nearly every aspect of our work—from curatorial research to public engagement. We’re grateful for the insight and creative energy she brings to our team.”
As the Miller Art Museum prepares for a significant transition—its future move into a dedicated, independent facility—these staff additions reflect a broader investment in the museum’s long-term growth. The new space will allow for the expansion of exhibitions, housing for a growing collection, and more dynamic educational programming, and public events. Now in its 50th year, the museum is actively building the infrastructure needed to support this next chapter, and the appointments of Karrels and Herring signal a deliberate step toward realizing that vision. The roles highlight the museum’s commitment to investing in both people and place—and to ensuring that the next 50 years are as artistically vital and community-driven as the last.