If you’ve recently been on our campus, you might know that we have excellent programs. One person in charge of this dynamic programming is none other than our next spotlighter, Melanie Katz. Melanie has been with us for three years and in that time has quickly become an innovative team member and thinker. In honor of all the excitement we have planned for the upcoming months, we thought we’d take some time to learn a little more about what makes her role here so special.

Q: Tell us about a past or present exhibition that you enjoyed and why.

A: I'm really enjoying our current exhibition Outsiders, Outcasts, Rebels + Weirdos: Punk Culture 1976–1986. The museum feels alive with hundreds of original photographs, flyers, and clothing from the early years of punk. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, since it's so close to home; while themes of identity, unrest, and community still deeply resonate with younger audiences. Programming around this exhibition has been a blast, too. Screening Repo Man with members of Circle Jerks in attendance was a career highlight.

I also loved the past exhibition Peter Krasnow: Breathing Joy and Light, which was at Skirball when I first started working here. Krasnow fled the pogroms in Ukraine to study painting in America, eventually settling in Los Angeles. Instead of focusing on his past suffering, he chose to paint vibrant, colorful reflections of his new home in the picturesque neighborhood of Atwater Village. While Hebrew words and Jewish symbolism were prominently featured in his work, the paintings felt forward thinking and hopeful. Sometimes you need to romanticize your life, and LA basically invented that. I love it here!

Q: Describe a Skirball event you had the opportunity to attend. What made it special for you?

A: Every Sunset Concert is special! I love seeing old and new faces (literally and figuratively) cut loose on the dance floor. It's simple: music brings people together. I can't wait for this summer's eclectic jazz lineup.

Q: What's one activity you prioritize outside of the Skirball? How does it interact with the work you do here?

A: I've never been a true hobbyist, which is probably why I love this job, as it lets me explore many interests. I love discovering LA's wide variety of cultural offerings, including live music, museum exhibitions, movies, readings, comedy, and Jewish life. I also like playing basketball with my roommate, and I have a pretty good shot from the top of the key.

Q: Tell us about a coworker who has gone above and beyond to represent the Skirball in their work.

A: Ben Ramirez is the Public Programs Coordinator and everyone's favorite coworker. He is reliable, amiable, and always willing to create a spreadsheet for our department. I'm so glad he is on our team!

Q: What are you looking forward to learning more about yourself in the following year?

A: I'm looking forward to working closely with more community organizations, including our new partnership with KCRW. I'm interested to learn meaningful ways to build community through arts and culture.

As Melanie mentioned, there’s so many summer offerings for you to join us in community here at the Skirball! Make sure to check our website for the latest information, and if you see Melanie walking around with a headset be sure to say thanks for what you do!

Our institution is more than just a workplace—it's a community where each team member plays a vital role in bringing the Skirball's mission and values to life, and creating memorable experiences for all who walk through our doors. As a loving tribute to our original benefactors, Jack and Audrey Skirball, and because of the Skirballs' dedication to education and cultural exchange, we proudly call ourselves "Skirballers."

We regularly spotlight one of these Skirballers, showcasing their unique talents, passions, and contributions to our community. Through these introductions, we invite you to get to know the people who make working here truly something special.