Gelman has spent more than 20 years creating and implementing museum-based learning that aligns with and uplifts traditional curriculum in classrooms, online, and in the museum itself. She has held leadership positions at Terra Museum of American Art, the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, Spertus Museum and, most recently, as the Executive Director of The Florida Holocaust Museum. Gelman is also the creator of the award-winning “Arts Attack” which connects visual art, music, and storytelling through interactive programs and workshops. Trained by MOMA’s Philip Yenawine in his groundbreaking inquiry-based Visual Thinking Strategies, Gelman remains passionate about using the arts to promote critical thinking and deeper understanding of challenging and sensitive topics.
A proud member of AEA, Gelman has appeared in national tours and Chicago area productions, including Shy in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Aldonza in Man of LaMancha, Rhetta in Pump Boys & Dinettes, Clelia in The Nerd (with Tony Shalhoub), and Contessa in HATS! (with Melissa Manchester). Locally, she played the role of Emma Goldman in Ragtime at American Stage.
Elizabeth received her MS in Written Communication and Certificate in Corporate Written Communication from National Louis University, a BS in Speech and Communication from Northwestern University, and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the College of DuPage.
