Downtown Publications Interviews Academy's New Interim Director, Chris Whittey

Chris Whittey. Photo by Laurie Tennent for Downtown Publications.

Cranbrook Academy of Art’s Interim Director, Chris Whittey, was interviewed by Downtown Publications in the Fall of 2024, shortly after he began his tenure. Whittey is a returning Michigan native, who earned his BFA at Wayne State University and also studied at what was then called the Center for Creative Studies, now College for Creative Studies (CCS). He received his MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

He has nearly 30 years of experience in arts higher education in both faculty and administrative roles. Most recently he was at Oklahoma State University as Vaughn Vennerberg II Chair of Art, Professor of Art, and Head of the Department of Art, Graphic Design, and Art History. He has also held positions at other art institutions including the Cleveland Insitute of Art, Maine College of Art, and Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).

Of returning to his home state to head the Academy Whittey said, “Cranbrook is my sixth institution. I started my career on a really high note and I will likely be ending it on a really high note. Circling back and going home is pretty moving to me.”

Learn more:

Chris Whittey – Downtown Publications Birmingham/Bloomfield

Cranbrook Academy of Art Announces Chris Whittey as Interim Director