Champaign, IL (April 10, 2025) — Krannert Art Museum has named Evelyn C. Shapiro as Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications. A seasoned marketing professional with a deep commitment to the arts and culture community, Shapiro brings a wealth of experience and impact to the position. She began her tenure in January.
Museum Director Jon L. Seydl notes, “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 her new role, Shapiro will lead the museum’s efforts to elevate its visibility and strengthen its presence on campus, in the Champaign-Urbana community, and beyond. Her innovative approach to marketing and communications, paired with a passion for public service, positions her as a dynamic force in amplifying the museum’s mission and expanding its reach.
Before joining the museum, Shapiro served as Promotions Manager at Champaign Public Library, where she led a team that earned the prestigious top marketing award from the Illinois Library Association in 2023. Her leadership in design, strategy, and outreach played a pivotal role in raising the library’s profile and fostering stronger connections within the local community. Reach for one webinar surpassed 2.4 million, and thousands of community members have attended the author events and stunning eclipse celebrations for which she developed innovative campaigns. In 2016, she created an annual exhibition series, The Art Connection: From Schools to Library, showcasing artwork by 150 students in grades K–12 each year.
Shapiro is a well-recognized figure in the Champaign-Urbana arts and culture community, and her deep ties locally and beyond will be instrumental as she works to enhance the museum's reputation as one of the region’s most valuable and dynamic cultural institutions. Her experience, creativity, and passion for public engagement make her a transformational leader within the art museum’s staff.
“I am thrilled to join the Krannert Art Museum team,” Shapiro said. “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.”
Shapiro, who is a visual artist, book designer, and dancer, joins the Krannert Art Museum at a pivotal moment, as the institution looks to further expand its engagement with diverse audiences and continue its role as a leader in the visual arts. Planning is underway for a grand reopening in August, when renovations conclude and the doors are opened wide to reveal a variety of stunning exhibitions—including an introduction to New York–based contemporary artist Ronny Quevedo and a new installation of arts from the Andes, developed in collaboration with partners in Peru. The museum’s team is excited to work alongside Shapiro as she helps chart a bold new direction for marketing and communications at the museum.
About Krannert Art Museum
Krannert Art Museum, part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is the premier visual arts museum in the region. With a diverse collection of more than 10,000 objects, the museum showcases works from a variety of time periods and cultures, and serves as a hub for innovative exhibitions, events, and educational opportunities. As a vital resource for students and the broader public, the museum is committed to fostering an appreciation for the arts and supporting the creative exchange between the U of I and the greater community.
The museum is located at 500 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign, and is open Tuesday–Friday (10 am–5 pm), Saturday (10 am–4 pm), and Thursday until 8 pm, when class is in session. Parking nearby is free on weekends and after 5 pm. More information can be found online at kam.illinois.edu.
Media Contacts
To reach Evelyn C. Shapiro, email esha@illinois.edu; to reach Museum Director Jon L. Seydl, email jseydl@illinois.edu.
Photo by Viktoria Ford.
