Zach Repphun’s first memory of encountering a work of art was on a field trip to Youngstown’s esteemed Butler Institute of American Art in the fourth grade. He was captivated by Madison Avenue at Speed, Peter Maier’s actual-size painting of Jeff Gordon’s #24 race car that is now part of that museum’s permanent collection. Years later, when Repphun was working at the Butler, he ended up working with Maier during the installation of the exhibition Peter Maier: Legends in 2018. For Repphun, “it was a nice full-circle moment.”

Such moments may seem happenstance, but they happen as if by design for Repphun, an exhibition designer at the Akron Art Museum (AAM) whose passion for connecting and networking matches his passion for art.

Repphun says that when he was growing up, his family wasn’t “particularly into art,” but he still gleaned valuable lessons that continue to serve him well. “My late father, who was a water well driller, taught me practical skills that I now use every day as an art handler,” he says. “Those lessons in hand tools and problem-solving have shaped my approach to the work in this field.”

After high school, Repphun set out to study architecture at Kent State University and while the program gave him “a good background in design studies,” he says the fit wasn’t quite right. It was only when he switched colleges and his major that things clicked. That’s when Repphun decided to make art his career.
“Switching to an art history major at Youngstown State University (YSU) was a game changer for me. Volunteering at the Butler’s Summer Arts Camp got my foot in the door, and after a couple years volunteering, followed by an internship, I landed a full-time position working as a travelling exhibition registrar and assistant preparator at the Butler.

“YSU pushed me to dive deep into the art scene. I took every opportunity—volunteering at the Butler, working at the McDonough Museum as a student/employee, and leading the Student Art Association. I knew I had to stand out, so I networked like crazy and became immersed in the local art community.” That included such efforts as outlining 588 squares in tape on the concrete between the college library and the Butler to create a massive ground mural as part of a communications class project he organized to boost a sense of unity on campus and raise awareness of the art association.

While at YSU, Repphun attended an art lecture given by the Akron Art Museum lead preparator, Chris Ross, and the encounter, he says, “eventually led to a full-time position at the AAM.”

“I introduced myself after the talk, showing interest in the field. This one conversation led to helping at the Akron Art Museum for show changes and install when I had time off from working at the Butler, furthering my skills and experience. During this time, I honed my exhibition design skills using SketchUp—making myself a go-to person in the field.”

After his 2013 graduation from YSU, Repphun spent a half-dozen years as an assistant preparator at the Akron Art Museum, where he contributed to over forty exhibitions along with special projects from local to international artists. He has been the lead technician on audio/video installations, as well as now designing, digitally, nearly every exhibition layout.

“I love the challenge of problem-solving and collaborating with artists worldwide,” he says of the work. “It’s incredibly satisfying to see their excitement about the exhibition layouts I’ve created. I also had a great support system from the Design Department at AAM who really took me under their wings to teach me the ins and outs of the career.”

Repphun turns even the drawbacks of the job into opportunity.

“On the flip side,” he says, “technology can be a challenge, especially with ever-changing audio and video installations, but that just means I get to flex my skills to find solutions.”

Now living in Madrid, Spain, as his spouse studies for a PhD, Repphun works contractually for the AAM as an exhibition designer, which he says has been “a fantastic experience.” Last year he founded an LLC, his own company, which has allowed him to take on contracts with other Northeast Ohio fine art services as well as major events like Art Basel Miami. The arrangement, he says, has also given him the flexibility to explore international art fairs while keeping his ties back home in Northeast Ohio, which will come in handy when he heads home.

“I’m confident that when I return, even bigger opportunities await.”

His advice for young people interested in the art exhibitions field? “Never stop seeking out opportunities.”

“Much of what happens in the art world is behind the scenes, so focus on building strong relationships and working well with others.”

Ever the well driller’s son, Rapphun adds, “and don’t forget, safety is key, especially when dealing with large-scale artworks.”