To say Jennifer Evans is in her element at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science may be an understatement. The 1993 Central High School alumna’s new job as the museum’s John W. Streetman Executive Director quenches her lifelong curiosity —something piqued by the 45,000-plus artifacts in the museum’s permanent collection. In her new role, Evans — who held past director positions at WNIN, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, and Leadership Everyone — pairs that thirst for knowledge with her nonprofit work experience.
“I didn’t go to school to be a historian or a scientist or an art curator, but I have a deep appreciation for those things,” she says. “My vision is to be the person … who helps encourage and make things happen that others want to see happen, and to do it in a thoughtful way that makes sense and honors the people who laid such a great foundation for the museum.”
EVANSVILLE BUSINESS: WHY DID YOU JUMP AT THIS JOB OPPORTUNITY?
Jennifer Evans: I love our museum. I experienced it throughout my life, starting as a child with my parents and on field trips. I’m curious … and I get to work with an organization that … hits all those things that please me as an individual. I’m a person who loves to ask why.
EB: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MUSEUM’S STRONGEST ATTRIBUTES?
JE: People who love the museum and support it — staff, board members, donors, public, and members. And the history of our museum and how long it has been such a cultural mainstay. We are so lucky to have the cultural institutions we have.
EB: WHY DOES THE MUSEUM INVEST IN CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING?
JE: Exposing them to our history and culture and universe and wonderful works of art, you never know what that may inspire. It can be part of their life and [foster] a deep appreciation, or they can build a career from it.
EB: SHARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER INTERESTS.
JE: I absolutely love gardening. It’s something I’ve been doing since I was a child. I love traveling to … new and familiar places, learning about those cultures. I’m very passionate about music — everything from classical and jazz to yacht rock and rap.
