Chambana Sun

In Champaign, Illinois, the Krannert Art Museum has appointed Evelyn C. Shapiro as the Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications, a role she started in January. Shapiro's appointment brings her experience and commitment to the arts and culture community to the museum.

Jon L. Seydl, the Museum Director, said, “Evelyn brings a strong portfolio, with a long history of public service and a wide range of skills, while being deeply embedded in the arts and culture ecosystem of Champaign-Urbana. We are elated that Evelyn has joined the outstanding staff at Krannert Art Museum and admire her passion for the museum’s strategic goals and commitment to teamwork.”

In this position, Shapiro will work to increase the museum's visibility both locally and beyond. Her past role as Promotions Manager at Champaign Public Library showcased her leadership and ability to foster connections within the community. One of her notable achievements was leading a team to win the top marketing award from the Illinois Library Association in 2023.

Shapiro expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am thrilled to join the Krannert Art Museum team. The art museum offers visitors a world-class collection of art and exhibitions. I look forward to expanding awareness of the museum's remarkable offerings and creating new opportunities for a vibrant relationship with community members. I’m eager to connect with both longtime museumgoers and new visitors to create new partnerships and appreciation of its outstanding offerings.”

At a significant time for the museum, Shapiro becomes part of a team preparing for a grand reopening in August, featuring a variety of exhibitions. This event includes works from New York-based artist Ronny Quevedo and arts from the Andes, developed in collaboration with Peruvian partners.

Krannert Art Museum is a major visual arts museum at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, offering a vast collection of over 10,000 objects. The institution serves as a center for exhibitions, educational activities, and cultural exchange between the university and the broader community. It is located at 500 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign, and is open to the public with specific visiting hours.

For more information, Evelyn C. Shapiro can be contacted via email at esha@illinois.edu, and Jon L. Seydl can be reached at jseydl@illinois.edu.

Photo by Viktoria Ford.