Zachariah Combs has been named director of the Gallery of African Art in Clinton, gallery founder Gordon B. Lankton announced. Combs is the first director for the gallery, which is owned by the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton.
Combs has been involved with the Gallery of African Art since an expansion in 2011, offering tours, music and drumming lessons and sharing his expertise on African art and culture, according to a statement. He studied anthropology and African studies at Connecticut College and is the director of Crocodile River Music, which promotes African-influenced music and cultural activities throughout New England.
He is arranging new fall programming at the gallery and funding for school field trips.
“I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Gallery of African Art in creating workshop partnerships with Massachusetts schools, Clinton businesses and Central Massachusetts community organizations,” Combs said.
Assembled by Lankton, long-time Nypro president and avid art collector, the Gallery of African Art features more than 600 African tribal masks, figures, sculpture and artifacts originating from 32 tribes, according the gallery.
