Company Profile
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
Company Overview
Founded in 1965, the John R. and Eleanor R. Mitchell Foundation operates Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, a nationally accredited art and cultural institution in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. What began as a two-room museum has grown into a vibrant arts destination featuring:
• The expanded Mitchell Museum (33,000-square-foot cultural center with four galleries, interactive family space, and performance hall)
• The Shrode Art Center (gallery, classrooms, and studios)
• The Schweinfurth House and original Mitchell House (event and meeting spaces)
A 65-acre Sculpture Park with 60 large-scale works
Cedarhurst advances its mission to enrich lives through the arts by presenting high-quality exhibitions, stewarding a nationally significant permanent collection, and developing programs that expand access to the arts for communities across southern Illinois and the surrounding region.
The museum stewards approximately 800 works of art across multiple media, including paintings, works on paper, photography, sculpture, decorative arts, and global artifacts. The core of the collection - begun in the 1940s and 1950s by founding philanthropists John and Eleanor Mitchell - including significant American works by artists such as George Bellows, Mary Cassatt, Robert Henri, and Thomas Eakins. In contrast, the Sculpture Park includes major contemporary works by artists such as Chakaia Booker, Dennis Oppenheim, Alexander Liberman, and John Kearney. Cedarhurst presents these holdings in dialogue with exhibitions, education, and community partnerships to serve a largely rural, multi-county region and impact more than 50,000 people annually.
Cedarhurst is thoughtfully evolving its role as a vital civic and cultural institution for the 21st century. In recent years, the museum has expanded its commitment to meaningful community engagement, strengthened inclusive practices, and explored the dynamic relationship between art and the natural environment. Initiatives include extending museum learning beyond campus through offsite partnerships and launching The Lights, a seasonal evening experience that transforms the Sculpture Park with immersive light installations, inviting visitors to encounter contemporary art in new and compelling ways.
The Mitchell Foundation and governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees, which oversees the Executive Director, ensures financial stability, establishes policy, and monitors adherence to the Strategic Plan. Cedarhurst employs 15 full-time and 3 part-time staff members, including directors overseeing visual arts, education, engagement, communications, the Shrode Art Center, operations, and finance. A volunteer board of Administrative Counselors, established in the original Trust document, work closely with staff to plan, implement, and evaluate programs.
Company History
The Mitchell Museum at Cedarhurst was founded through the vision and generosity of John R. Mitchell and Eleanor R. Mitchell, who established the Mitchell Foundation and dedicated their 65-acre Mt. Vernon estate and distinguished collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century American art to the people of southern Illinois. The museum opened in November 1973 as a lasting philanthropic gift intended to expand cultural access across the region.
A governing Trust written in 1965 outlined fiduciary oversight and long-term stewardship. A Board of Trustees was appointed to safeguard the founders’ intent, supported by a unique volunteer corps known as the Administrative Counselors. These two leadership boards under the direction of the museum’s first Executive Director, Kenneth Miller, quickly developed Cedarhurst's reputation for strong programming and community engagement.
Early signature initiatives positioned Cedarhurst as a regional leader. The Southern Illinois Artists Open Competition (now the Cedarhurst Biennial), participation in the Scholastic Art Awards, the launch of the Cedarhurst Art and Craft Fair in 1977, and the Chamber Music Series beginning in 1979 established enduring platforms for artists and audiences alike.
An early Master Plan drafted in 1978 envisioned expanded facilities and campus development. Strategic planning was initiated in the 1990s and has guided thoughtful growth. Over time, Cedarhurst added professional collections storage, a Children’s Gallery, enhanced educational programs, and an Administration Building. The evolving sculpture program transformed the grounds into a recognized sculpture park, reinforcing the integration of art and nature.
A defining milestone came with the $6 million Arts for All campaign, completed in 2008, which tripled the size of the original museum. The expansion added multiple galleries, a performing arts space, the Barbara J. Beck Family Education Center, and significant improvements to the sculpture park. In 2016, Cedarhurst achieved national accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, affirming its commitment to national standards and best practices.
Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cedarhurst adapted through innovative programming and renewed community focus. In recent years, the museum has broadened its commitment to meaningful community engagement with increased partnerships and offsite programming, and by launching The Lights, a seasonal evening experience that expands holiday access and transforms the sculpture park with immersive light installations.
The museum celebrated 50 years in 2024, reaffirming its commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and artistic excellence. Campus enhancements, strategic acquisitions aligned with the founders’ original collection focus, and continued investment in visitor experience reflect a dynamic institution grounded in the enduring legacy of John and Eleanor Mitchell. Today, Cedarhurst stands as a respected regional center for art, education, and community engagement - fulfilling the founders’ vision while continually evolving to meet the needs of southern Illinois.
Benefits
Full-time employees receive health and dental insurance, paid time off, 401K match, and professional development opportunities. They also enjoy a collaborative and inclusive organizational culture and a beautiful campus and working environment.
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