Eastern Shore Art Center Director Set to Retire May 31
Bryant Whelan, Executive Director of Eastern Shore Art Center, will retire May 31 after a nearly 6-year tenure with ESAC.
Jimmy Prestwood, current Board President, says Whelan will be missed. “Bryant Whelan came to ESAC at a pivotal time for the Art Center. She has led the team in a period of unprecedented growth financially and programmatically,” said Prestwood. “Growing our donor base, identifying more grant opportunities and program expansion have increased our operating budget over 50 percent during her tenure,” he said. Also, during this time, the Art Center fared better than most art institutions nationally during the period of Covid-related shutdowns. “That was tough,” said Prestwood, “but Whelan and the staff never missed a beat.” The ESAC Board of Directors has selected a new director which will be announced soon. “We are excited at the prospect of bringing new energy to the Art Center once again,” Prestwood said. “Fortunately for us, the groundwork has been laid for a successful transition by Whelan and the dedicated staff at ESAC.”
Whelan is quick to say that she will stay involved with the Art Center, but her main plans include spending more time with her grandchildren and creating art in her studio. “The Art Center has an amazing staff, classes, exhibits and events. I love ESAC and will certainly remain part of the ESAC community,” said Whelan. “I’m excited to welcome the new director and see ESAC guided into new experiences.”
The board, staff, teachers, volunteers, artists, members, and supporters are greatly appreciative of the time Whelan has been with the Art Center and wish her well in her retirement.
For more info, contact: Adrienne Clow, Marketing Director at Adrienne@esartcenter.org or 928-2228 ext 103. Visit https://esartcenter.org, Facebook, or Twitter for daily updates!
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