We are excited to announce the election of James McElhinney to our Board of Trustees, effective May 1, 2024. James McElhinney is a visual artist, published author, and educator. Inspired by historical expeditionary artists and naturalists, his artworks explore American rivers such as the Hudson, Schuylkill, and Rio Grande, with new projects focused on other American waterways now under development. James is the author of numerous essays, articles, and six books on art, including the Sketchbook Traveler series produced by Schiffer Publishing. You may have seen his artwork at the HRM in Rivers Flow / Artists Connect (February 2–September 1, 2024), or in the exhibition James McElhinney: Discover the Hudson Anew (September 13, 2019–February 16, 2020).

McElhinney stated, “I am excited to serve on the Board of Trustees of Hudson River Museum because of its public-facing educational mission to interpret the interconnectedness of science, history, and art, within a culturally vibrant and diverse community. I am especially eager to contribute to the HRM as a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds feel valued and can come together.”

Thomas D’Auria, Chair of the HRM Board of Trustees, added, “On behalf of the HRM’s Board of Trustees, I extend a very warm welcome to James McElhinney. His impressive and well-earned artistic career, keen understanding of museums and the cultural sector, and his genuine interest in our audiences will be invaluable to help to guide the vision and mission of the Hudson River Museum.”

Read the full press release here.