Holden announced Missouri Arts Council interim director

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Gov. Bob Holden announced March 31 that Mary McElwain of St. Louis would become the interim executive director of the Missouri Arts Council. |ret||ret||tab|

McElwain, who now serves as chair of the arts council board, will be replaced in that role by Betty Wilson of Columbia, the current vice chair. Robert Epsten of Kansas City will be the new vice chair. |ret||ret||tab|

"I am pleased that Mary is able to be the interim director of the Missouri Arts Council." Holden said. "I am confident that Betty and Bob will also be successful in their new leadership roles within the council." |ret||ret||tab|

Department of Economic Development Director Kelvin L. Simmons said the changes would keep the work of the arts council moving forward. "Arts are very important to the communities of Missouri and it is critical that we have strong leadership from our executive director and the MAC board," said Simmons. "These individuals will provide that high level of leadership." |ret||ret||tab|

McElwain is the founder and president of McElwain Fine Arts. She earned a bachelor's degree in studio art. McElwain is a member of the Association of Professional Art Advisors and the Society of Arts in Healthcare. McElwain is vice president of the board of directors and chairman of the Judging and Juring Committee of the St. Louis Art Fair. |ret||ret||tab|

Wilson is a partner at the Law Firm of Oliver, Walker and Wilson. She earned a bachelor's degree from Wellesley College, a master's degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Wilson is on the board of the directors for the Friends of Music Organization and the Central Missouri Habitat for Humanity. |ret||ret||tab|

Epsten is chairman and CEO of Major Brands, located in Kansas City. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. Epsten is president of the Missouri Wine and Spirits Association, a board member on The Century Council and president of Seagram Family Association. |ret||ret||tab|

The Missouri Arts Council, the state's grant-making agency for the arts, provides approximately $3 million in assistance to nonprofit organizations throughout Missouri. A division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, MAC was established in 1965 to encourage and stimulate the growth, development and appreciation of the arts in Missouri. |ret||ret||tab|

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