Our Mission
To inspire creativity, curiosity, and connection through art.
Our Vision
The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum (the CAT) makes modern and contemporary art accessible and engaging.
History
The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum was established in 2022 by the family of Gerard Cafesjian (1925–2013) to bring free and accessible modern and contemporary art to Shoreview, Minnesota, a few miles north of the Twin Cities. The collection features nearly 3,000 works of art and continues to grow.
From 2022 to 2024, we offered a variety of exhibitions from our permanent collection. In 2024, we launched educational programming and outreach for visitors of all ages. Since 2025, new modern and contemporary art initiatives have engaged with the Twin Cities community and beyond to bring fresh light to the art of our times.
Read more about our Founding Collection and Gerald Cafesjian here.
Our Team
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Kathie Cafesjian Baradaran
CEO, Founder
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Jill Ahlberg Yohe, PhD
Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art
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Linnea Seidling
Assistant Curator of Glass
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Laura Steefel-Moore
Director of Learning and Community Engagement
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Jennifer Rappaport
Director of Collections and Registration
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Brooks Waggoner
Controller
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Manuel Rodriguez
Head Preparator
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Elia Bettaglio
Preparator
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Ben Albaugh
Facilities Manager
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Emma Heller
Administrative and Guest Relations Assistant
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Luciana Millard
TMS and Collections Systems Administrator
The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum (the CAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2022 by founder Kathie Cafesjian Baradaran, continuing the legacy of Gerard L. Cafesjian (1925–2013). The museum is dedicated to making modern and contemporary art free and accessible to all in Shoreview, Minnesota, just north of the Twin Cities. The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum is an equal opportunity employer.
Available Positions
There are currently no open positions at the CAT. Please check back for future opportunities.
Featured at Top: Image of Cafesjian Art Trust Museum and Cafesjian by Jerry Rudquist, (American b. 1934), oil on gessoed rag board, mounted on birch plywood; portrait of Gerard Cafesjian. Photo courtesy of Matt Sonnek.