News Release: Eiteljorg Museum mourns passing of President Emeritus John Vanausdall
In 27 years of service to the Eiteljorg, Vanausdall transformed the museum
Image by Casey Cronin Photography
INDIANAPOLIS – With deep sadness, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art mourns the passing of its former president and CEO, John Vanausdall. He died Saturday at age 68.
During his nearly 27 years as Eiteljorg president and CEO until his retirement in June 2023, Vanausdall transformed the museum in downtown Indianapolis. He led the institution through unprecedented growth in its collections, exhibitions and public programming, enabled by expansion and renovation of the museum and growth of the operating endowment. Under his tenure, the Eiteljorg developed a national reputation for excellence in Native American art and art of the American West, with special emphasis on contemporary expressions of both. He helped the museum forge deep working relationships with artists, scholars and Native leaders and culture bearers. And he cultivated the support of museum donors in central Indiana and across the nation.
“This is a great loss for the Eiteljorg Museum and our entire community. John Vanausdall devoted decades to celebrating and uplifting the arts, histories and cultures of the Native peoples of North America and all the diverse peoples of the American West,” current Eiteljorg President and CEO Kathryn Haigh said. “His kindness and consideration towards others will long be remembered, and his strategic thinking that positioned the museum for the future will leave a lasting legacy. I feel fortunate to have known him, and I know all of us at the Eiteljorg will try to carry on his good work.”
Vanausdall joined the Eiteljorg as president and CEO in October 1996, after 18 years in the creative and management areas of the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. His Eiteljorg leadership included several milestones:
- Completion of the $55 million Project 2021 capital/endowment campaign, which involved raising $40 million in cash and pledges for the museum’s endowment; reimagining and reconstructing the Native American and Western art galleries; renovating the children’s discovery area, the Nina Mason Pulliam Education Center; and expanding the multipurpose facility, the Allen Whitehill Clowes Sculpture Court.
- An earlier project, the completion of the museum’s $20 million Mel and Joan Perelman Wing in 2005, that doubled the Eiteljorg’s public space.
- Major growth in the museum’s collections of Native American, Western and contemporary art through important acquisitions – including donations and bequests from art collectors around the nation – that built upon the original collection of museum founder Harrison Eiteljorg.
- Expansion of the museum’s culturally significant initiatives that attract new or diverse audiences and groups, including the biennial Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship, and the annual Indian Market and Festival, Día de Muertos community celebration, Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale, and the holiday model train display, the Fifth Third Bank Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure.
- Developing the museum’s financial support base through private philanthropy, donor relations and corporate sponsorships that allowed the Eiteljorg to meet its obligations during the pandemic-shortened year of 2020 and quickly bounce back.
- Achieving national honors and recognition for the Eiteljorg through multiple awards in the field and attaining accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.
- Emphasizing a commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in the museum’s exhibitions, public programs and internal processes.
Vanausdall’s 27 years of continuous service as president and CEO was unusual in the museum field, and was noteworthy for his persistence and patience in cultivating friendships with donors, artists, civic leaders and the general public in broadening the museum’s engagement with the community. Though modest and soft-spoken, Vanausdall was a gregarious host who was emcee at many Eiteljorg events, such as the annual Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale awards.
He held a 1978 education degree from Indiana University and a 1996 MBA from the IU Kelley School of Business. Often described as a Renaissance man, Vanausdall enjoyed many interests, including performing music on guitar, photography, tennis, hiking and what he called “creative cooking”. Upon his retirement in June 2023, Eiteljorg staff and volunteers donated to commission a formal oil portrait of Vanausdall, painted by longtime Quest for the West® artist Mark Kelso of Johnson County.
John Vanausdall is survived by his adult daughters Emily and Hannah, four grandchildren, his partner, Carrie, and Carrie’s two sons. Arrangements are pending at Leppert Mortuaries in Nora. Memorial contributions can be made to the John Vanausdall Capital Improvement Endowed Fund at the Eiteljorg. The Eiteljorg Museum Board, staff and volunteers extend their deepest condolences to his family and many friends.
Learn more about John Vanausdall’s legacy at this link.
Image by Casey Cronin Photography
About the Eiteljorg
For 35 years, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of Indianapolis and scenic White River State Park. The Eiteljorg Museum explores the intersection of the arts, histories and cultures of the past and present by sharing the diverse stories of the American West and the Indigenous Peoples of North America. Located on the Central Canal at 500 West Washington St., the Eiteljorg is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Media Contacts
Bryan Corbin
Public Relations Manager
317.275.1315
bcorbin@eiteljorg.com
Bert Beiswanger
Director of Marketing and Communications
317.275.1317
bbeiswanger@eiteljorg.com
Brooke Sullivan
Digital Marketing Manager
317.275.1388
bsullivan@eiteljorg.com
Here are links to news media coverage of the passing of John Vanausdall:
Indianapolis Business Journal, Aug. 19, 2024
The Indianapolis Star, Aug. 19, 2024
Indianapolis Star video tribute, Aug. 19, 2024