Meet the CAT’s Director of Collections and Registration!  

February 1, 2026

Moving from sunny California to frigid Minnesota in the middle of winter? Bring it on, says Jennifer Rappaport, the museum’s new Director of Collections and Registration. Jennifer began at the CAT in December, having moved from Palm Springs to the Twin Cities to join the Cafesjian Art Trust Museum team.  

We sat down with Jennifer to learn more about her background and previous experiences, what she’s excited about in her new role, and what’s on her Minnesota to-do list. 

CAT: Let’s begin with a big-picture question: what does it mean to be the Director of Collections and Registration at the CAT? What are some of your main duties and responsibilities?  

Jennifer:  As Director of Collections and Registration, I’m responsible for the care, stewardship, and long-term vision of the CAT’s collection. That includes overseeing documentation, conservation, storage, and loans, as well as developing and implementing policies and best practices that ensure the collection is preserved and accessible for future generations. I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the museum to support exhibitions, research, and public engagement, thoughtfully sharing our collection with the community. 

CAT: The CAT is only three years old. What are some inherent challenges in working at a very young museum? What are the most exciting opportunities?   

Jennifer: One of the challenges of a young museum is building systems and workflows from the ground up; everything from policies to infrastructure requires careful planning. At the same time, that’s also the most exciting part. Our CEO and President, Kathleen Cafesjian Baradaran, has amassed a stellar team to build the foundation of the museum. Being part of an institution and team at this stage means you can make a big impact. 

CAT: What were you doing before you came to the CAT?  

Jennifer: Before coming to the CAT, I was working at the San Diego Museum of Art under Anita Feldman and Roxana Velasquez, where I supported exhibitions and loans, including traveling shows to Boston College’s McMullen Museum, MFA Boston and more! Alongside that role, I also worked with private clients throughout California and Arizona, helping execute complex art related projects; everything from exhibition installations and art fairs to collections support for individual collectors. My background is in fine art: I graduated from RISD, went on to graduate school at SVA, and over time developed deep expertise in art history, art logistics and art operations and programming. A lot of that practical experience really crystallized starting in 2018, working across the I-10 corridor on high-complexity art projects and with artist estates. 

 CAT: What made you want to work at the CAT? 

Jennifer: What really drew me to the CAT was a combination of the collection itself, its history and the region. I’ve long had strong ties between Southern California and the Midwest, and I’ve noticed a real pattern of people and collections moving between these places. Many collectors and arts supporters here also spend time in Southern California, so there’s a shared cultural conversation that already felt familiar to me. 

I was genuinely excited to be in the Twin Cities because it feels like a significant institutional center right now. There’s a lot of momentum, important dialogue, and collaboration happening across museums here, and it’s an exceptionally strong museum city and region. There are many remarkable collections, with the Cafesjian Art Trust Museum standing out as one of the most distinctive and singular. 

What ultimately sealed it for me was the opportunity to work at an institution where the collection is deeply connected to a broader museum ecosystem and international story. Being here has been a rewarding way to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s artistic landscape, and the CAT felt like the right place to engage thoughtfully with that work.  

CAT: What do you like to do outside of work? What uniquely Minnesotan activities or experiences do you want to try? 

Jennifer: I really enjoy cooking, exploring, reading, and being outdoors. Since moving here, I’ve been excited to fully embrace winter. I’ve already bought ice skates and am looking forward to getting out on the ice, and I’d love to try ice sculpting and even ice fishing at some point. Winter hikes are high on my list too, ideally followed by lots of hot cocoa. I’m leaning into the season and excited to experience Minnesota in a way that really feels specific to this place. 

CAT: What one thing you wish the Twin Cities community knew about the CAT? 

Jennifer: One thing I wish more people in the Twin Cities knew is that CAT is free and open to the public, and while we’re a small team, we’re incredibly committed to making the collection accessible. There are real opportunities here for researchers, scholars, and students to engage directly with the collection, and we genuinely welcome research inquiries. 

We’re eager for people to reach out, ask questions, and connect with us, whether they’re longtime museum goers, emerging researchers, or simply curious visitors. The CAT is a place where the collection is meant to be seen, studied, and experienced, and we’re excited to welcome everyone.