Our Staff

Phone: 970-247-7333
Email: cmscott@fortlewis.edu

Cristie joined the Center of Southwest Studies as Curator of Exhibitions and Educational Outreach in July 2024. In this role, Cristie is responsible for the interpretation and promotion of the Center's collections, as well as loaned works, through exhibitions, publications, and educational programs that support broad community engagement. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the museum gallery and works closely with Center staff, fellows, volunteers, and interns to support the teaching and research mission of the college. Cristie grew up in Durango and brings a breadth of experience in arts administration, curation, and education, previously serving as executive director of the Durango Arts Center and chair of the Durango Public Arts Commission, among other roles. Before her return to Southwest Colorado, she oversaw the exhibition program at the Idyllwild Arts Foundation (Idyllwild, CA) for six years, organizing over 70 installations and serving as faculty and assistant chair of the academy’s visual arts department. She holds a B.A. in Studio Art from the University of Puget Sound and earned an M.A. in Visual Arts Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from New York University-Steinhardt School.

Phone: 970-382-6981
Email: ofperea@fortlewis.edu

Olivia Perea joins the Center of Southwest Studies as the 2025-2026 Fellow. Olivia’s studio art practice and art history research focuses on the intersection of art, culture, and community engagement. Olivia’s passion for creating approachable, accessible, and engaging experiences around art and culture is what drew her to the CSWS Fellowship position. Working closely with the Center’s staff, Olivia will be contributing to educational outreach projects, museum exhibitions, and campus/community programming. Bringing the perspective of both an artist and a recent student, Olivia aims to foster and promote deeper engagement with the Center's historical and cultural collections, museum, library, and archives. A recent alumna (’25), Olivia holds a B.A. in Studio Art, with a Minor in Art History from Fort Lewis College. Learn more about Olivia’s creative practice here.