Crain's Chicago Business Features John McKinnon's Various Elmhurst Art Museum Initiatives
Crain's Chicago Business has featured John McKinnon's (MA 2008) initiatives for the Elmhurst Art Museum’s increased engagement with the public.
The article looks at McKinnon’s efforts to bring more public attention to the institution. These include establishing a Teen Art Council for 12- to 18-year-olds, slated to bring out the inaugural art and architecture zine this month.
Plans include increasing and diversifying funding, especially in order to renovate the building, and improving outdoor lighting. He aims to have the museum play a larger role in the cultural life in Elmhurst. With an initial exterior renovation of $350,000, McKinnon seeks to affirm the Elmhurst Art Museum's identity and not restrict it to the McCormick House alone.
McKinnon’s endeavors also include afternoon school tours and art tours aimed at parents and children returning from the surrounding schools and libraries. Other measures involve hanging banners advertising various ongoing and upcoming exhibitions outside the building.
In celebration of alum Georgia O’Keeffe: My New Yorks opening current SAIC students were invited to submit artworks inspired by O’keeffe and the city of Chicago.
An image from the exhibition opening of “My Chicagos: SAIC Students Honor Georgia O’Keeffe.”