INDIANAPOLIS — The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art recently announced the passing of its former president and CEO, John Vanausdall. He died Saturday, Aug. 17 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.
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.
