MOUNT VERNON, Illinois – The board of trustees of Cedarhurst Center for the Arts has announced the appointment of John Burroughs as the museum’s next executive director. Burroughs, a native of southern Illinois, formerly served as director of the Rogers Historical Museum in Rogers, Arkansas.
“We are excited to welcome John to Cedarhurst as executive director,” said Doug Kroeschen, chairman of the John R. and Eleanor R. Mitchell Foundation board of trustees. “John’s experience leading an AAM accredited institution, entrusted with a significant permanent collection, along with organizing and directing a large capital campaign will be instrumental in leading Cedarhurst Center for the Arts into the future. I know John is thrilled to return to southern Illinois and ready to get started.”
The appointment of Burroughs follows a nationwide search led by the board of trustees. The search commenced last fall, after current executive director Sharon Bradham announced her April 2019 retirement. Burroughs will begin his tenure as Cedarhurst’s executive director on April 30.
“I am honored to have been selected as the next executive director of this wonderful community resource, and excited to work with such a talented and dedicated staff, volunteer group, board, and family of supporters,” stated Burroughs. “I know we can continue the ongoing growth of Cedarhurst and the impact the organization makes in the lives of all people in this region thanks to Ms. Bradham’s vision, leadership, and achievements.”
Prior to leading the Rogers Historical Museum for six years, Burroughs served as the assistant director of the museum for six years. During his fifteen-plus year career, he has been affiliated also with the Missouri Civil War Museum in St. Louis, the Saint Louis Science Center, and The University Museum at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville.
Burroughs grew up in Marion County and after graduating from Kaskaskia College, earned a B.A. in history from Eastern Illinois University, his M.A. degree in public administration and policy analysis, and a certificate in museum studies from SIU-E.
Cedarhurst, located in Mt. Vernon, offers the region many art engagement opportunities, programs and events, as well as art classes for all ages. Five galleries in the Mitchell Museum and Shrode Art Center feature intriguing art exhibitions as well as prominent works of art from the museum’s permanent collection. The outdoor gallery, the Goldman-Kuenz Sculpture Park, features over 70 large scale sculptures. Cedarhurst is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday throughout the year.