IU Art Museum head photographer dead after heart attack

Michael Cavanagh, head photographer at the IU Art Museum, died Tuesday morning after suffering a heart attack on Monday.

Cavanagh photographed collections and individual pieces for the art museum since 1983.

“There’s a huge amount of interpretation for a fine art photographer to take pictures of works of art,” said Linda Baden, Associate Director of editorial services for the art museum. “He was always pushing himself to be better.”

His photographs are featured in exhibition catalogues and other art publications worldwide she said.

“He was a wonderful person,” Baden said. “He was very caring and giving.”

— Caitlin Johnston