Mindy Tousley, Executive Director
December 2014 – present
Originally a native of Western New York, Mindy Tousley has lived in Cleveland since 1992. She graduated from the State University College at Buffalo in 1983. Tousley brings a unique set of skills and experiences to AAWR. She co-directed City Artists at Work for 17 years in Cleveland’s Campus Inc. District. Her past experiences as a former Lakewood gallery owner and Akron Gallery Director with experience in art conservation, and as an independent curator, have given her contacts in the arts communities of Cuyahoga, Summit, and Lorain County. She was Secretary of the Northern Ohio Art Dealers Association for 3 years and coordinator of the 2014 ART Expo. She is also a proud member of the CMA Print Club, where she currently chairs the Publications Committee, and an award-winning artist herself. Her own work is held in both corporate and private collections locally and nationally.
Dan Simone, Gallery and Archives Coordinator
March 2024 – present
Dan Simone is a lifelong artist with years of experience working in galleries across Northeast Ohio. Coming to AAWR via previous positions at Valley Art Center and The Gallery at Lakeland C.C., Dan has been instrumental in planning, designing, and executing everything from small solo shows to student shows at Cleveland Institute of Art, and large-scale exhibitions and events like the annual May Show at Lakeland C.C. and Art by the Falls in Chagrin Falls. Outside of his gallery work, Dan is a working musician playing in multiple bands and organizing concerts and festivals throughout Ohio and the surrounding states. And when he can find time outside of all of that, he still likes to draw.
Katharine Young, Collections Registrar
March 2024 – present
Katie Young is a museum professional with years of experience working with cultural institutions, including art museums, conservation labs, house museums, and historic cemeteries. She graduated with her MA in art history and Museum Studies, specializing in collections management, from Case Western Reserve University. Working as the Collections Registrar at AAWR combines two of her passions: keeping organized and fine art. She is excited to join the team and help to preserve this unique collection of Northeast Ohio cultural heritage for future generations.
Layla Harris, Collections Assistant
June 2023 – present
Layla began working at AAWR as a paid Intern through Studio Institute, in the summer of 2023. She proved so capable at her job that she was kept on in a part-time role. She is a Printmaking major at the Cleveland Institute of Art, and will be graduating with a BFA in May of 2024.
Megan Mitchell, Executive Assistant
November 2025 – present
Megan Mitchell joined the AAWR crew after retiring from a 30+ year career as a librarian at Oberlin College. Her love of prints and paper led her to a MA in Art History from Case Western Reserve University, countless workshops at Zygote Press and the Morgan Conservatory, and the Print Club of Cleveland. She is having a great time at the Archives and looks forward to meeting more members!
Interns
Past
In 2023 we bid farewell to the staff you have all been familiar with, Megan Alves, Kelly Pontoni & Karen Beckwith.
The contributions that each made to the Archives while they were employees helped us to become a better organization. We wish them all good luck in their future endeavors and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in future years.