Minnesota Center for Book Arts Announces Leadership Transition Following Six Years of Growth
Contact:
Mary Pat Ladner
MCBA Board
612-810-4939
Marypat.ladner@gmail.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (May 8, 2025)—Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) Board of Directors today announced Executive Director Elysa Voshell will step down from her position in September 2025 after six years of leadership. Voshell will be relocating to Los Angeles to join her wife and to focus on her personal artistic practice.
During her six-year tenure, Voshell successfully navigated the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling MCBA to emerge as a stronger organization with increased visibility and funding. Under her leadership, MCBA grew revenue by 45% and assets by over 300%, a remarkable achievement during a period when many arts organizations faced significant financial strain. Voshell strengthened MCBA's position as a global leader in book arts through strategic programming, community engagement initiatives, and expanded partnerships.
"Elysa has been a transformative leader for MCBA during a pivotal time in our 40-year history," said Jenny Henningsen, Chair of MCBA's Board of Directors. "Her vision and dedication over the past six years have significantly advanced our mission to ignite artistic practice, inspire learning, and foster diverse creative communities through the book arts. While we're sad to see her go, we're grateful for her contributions and excited about MCBA's bright future."
Voshell expressed appreciation for her time at MCBA: "It has been the greatest honor and joy to lead this remarkable organization for the past six years and to work alongside such talented artists, dedicated staff, engaged board, and passionate community members. I am so proud of what we have accomplished to push the limits of this dynamic art form while expanding access and lifting up new voices in the field. Spaces like MCBA that foster creativity, community, and connection are vital to our shared humanity. I am excited to continue to be in community with the many wonderful people I've gotten to know here. MCBA is well-positioned for its next chapter, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to thrive."
"Thanks to Elysa's leadership, MCBA is in an exceptionally strong financial position," added MCBA Board Treasurer Deb Weiss. "The organization's stability and growth provide a solid foundation for our next Executive Director to build upon."
A search committee has been established to identify MCBA's next Executive Director, comprising board members and community stakeholders. The search process will begin immediately, with finalist interviews expected in September 2025. The committee aims to announce Voshell's successor this fall, allowing for a smooth leadership transition.
"We are seeking a dynamic leader who will honor MCBA's legacy while bringing fresh perspectives to further our mission," Henningsen said. "We're committed to finding someone who shares our dedication to artistic excellence, community engagement, and making book arts accessible to all."
Information about the application process will be available on MCBA's website by May 15th, 2025.
MCBA will host a celebration honoring Voshell's six years of contributions in September 2025. Details will be announced later this summer.
About Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA)
Now in its 40th year, Minnesota Center for Book Arts is a global leader in the field of Book Arts. Twenty-five years ago, MCBA was a founding partner in Open Book, a community gathering space dedicated to diverse, dynamic collaboration and creativity in literary and book arts practices. Works created at MCBA can be found in prestigious collections worldwide, including The Museum of Modern Art, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and Walker Art Center, among many public, university, and private collectors. MCBA continues to advance the book as a vital contemporary art form, allowing artistic expression to be available to all, preserving traditional artistic practices while encouraging innovation and experimentation.
MCBA's mission is to ignite artistic practice, inspire learning, and foster diverse creative communities through the book arts. The organization's vision is a world in which creative expression through book arts is accessible to all.
For more information, visit www.mnbookarts.org