Cedarhurst Center for the Arts received statewide recognition on Friday when the Director of the museum’s Shrode Art Center Carrie Gibbs was selected as the 2022 Museum Professional of the Year by the Illinois Association of Museums.
Gibbs received the award during the virtual session of IAM‘s annual 
statewide conference.
Gibbs says she was honored and grateful to have been selected to receive the award.
“I am very passionate about my career in the arts and my community. This has inspired me and I look forward to what new opportunities may come from this recognition, not only for myself but for Cedarhurst and our southern Illinois region”.
IAM’s Secretary Debbie Fandrei, who served on the 2022 Awards Committee says they were especially impressed by the nominee’s depth and breadth of commitment, both to the arts and to every level of her community.
“Gibbs’ passion and commitment have made Cedarhurst stronger, the southern Illinois art community more connected, and Mt. Vernon schools more vibrant. The community is lucky to have her, and the committee is proud to honor her as Museum Professional of the Year.”
Gibbs has worked at Cedarhurst since 2006. As director of the art center, she coordinates five visual arts exhibitions annually, as well as all of the museum’s hands-class offerings – more than 75 each year – serving as a teacher for many including early childhood, elementary, teen, and adult offerings; and she coordinates outreach efforts to bring the arts to Mt. Vernon’s underserved audiences.
According to the nomination letter submitted by executive Director Hillary Esser, “Carrie is compassionate by nature, and she has single-handedly nurtured and mentored hundreds of southern Illinois artists to help them establish successful careers. She has done the same for thousands of children who have found confidence and independence by the encouragement they receive in Miss Carrie’s classes. Carrie is a leader within our southern Illinois community, both through her work at Cedarhurst and through her affiliations outside of her job. She promotes equity within our region and gives selflessly of her time.”
IAM is a statewide organization whose mission is, “to provide advocacy, promote best practices, and foster the exchange of ideas for the Illinois museum community.”
“This is quite an honor for Carrie and for Cedarhurst,” said Sharon Bradham, former Cedarhurst ED and member of the IAM Board of Directors. “It’s just another example of the quality and recognition that Cedarhurst brings to Mt. Vernon and southern Illinois.”
