Sarah Templeton Wilson Talks Art Appreciation

Sarah Templeton Wilson’s passion for the arts has led her down different paths. Most recently, she became executive director of Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in Hamilton, which coincidentally, wasn’t a far leap from where her journey started.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Miami University in 2003, Wilson went on to pursue a master’s degree and a Ph.D. at Ohio University, where she taught an interdisciplinary arts program. She found a particular joy in lecturing on the evolution of sculpture at the campus’ Bicentennial Park, where she would speak about the art installation there created by world-famous sculpture artist Maya Lin.

Wilson arrived at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in 2022, becoming the first-ever development director for the arts destination that is home to a collection of more than 70 outdoor sculptures tucked among 300 rolling acres. At the start of 2024, she was named executive director. We talked with Wilson about what initially drew her to Pyramid Hill, what she loves about working there and what she believes makes someone a good leader.

What drew you to Pyramid Hill?
A big piece of it was the city of Hamilton. My first job at Miami was representing the regional campuses, one of which is in Hamilton, and I really fell in love with the city. So, when this job opportunity opened … I just thought it would be a really great opportunity, especially in a post-Covid world where I knew an outdoor sculpture park had a lot of opportunity for growth and community building.

What is your favorite thing about working there?
One hundred percent the atmosphere. I used to work downtown at the ballet, and while I enjoyed downtown, I have the most relaxing work environment in the world here. I just look out over our hills sometimes, and I’ll see the wildlife … It’s so calming every time I come to work, so you can’t ask for a better work environment.

What do you think makes someone a good leader and communicator?A big piece of it is making sure you’re willing to do any job that you’re hiring someone for. I can’t very well hire for a position if it’s not something that I understand or would be willing to do myself. The other big piece I’ve learned is just getting out there and talking to our patrons. I need to be out there talking to our members because they’re passionate about the art, and they’ve got great ideas. I learn as much from them as I do from looking at other museums around the area.

For more information, visit pyramidhill.org.