Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum names Allyson Sheumaker as new Executive Director
October 13, 2026
The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum has selected Allyson Sheumaker as its next Executive Director following a nationwide search led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). Sheumaker will begin her tenure on November 2, 2026.
The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum is Myrtle Beach’s only art museum. Its 11 galleries present changing exhibitions throughout the year in a wide range of media, complemented by artist receptions, tours, lectures, workshops, and educational programming for adults and children. This vibrant role in the cultural life of Myrtle Beach is possible through the generous support of the City of Myrtle Beach and strong community partnerships. The Museum is especially grateful to The Chapin Foundation and Brittain Resorts and Hotels, whose partnership helped make this national search possible.
In making the announcement, Claudia Bornholdt, Chair of the Search Committee and Vice-Chair of the museum’s Board of Trustees, said, “As the art museum prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027, we are proud to welcome Allyson Sheumaker and her family at this exciting moment in the museum’s history. Allyson brings wide-ranging experience in museum leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, exhibitions, community engagement, and organizational stewardship. We have great confidence in her ability to build on the museum’s strong legacy and guide it into its next chapter with vision, energy, and care, further strengthening the museum’s role as a vibrant center for the arts in Myrtle Beach and across our region.”
Allyson Sheumaker brings extensive leadership experience across nonprofit cultural institutions, media organizations, and real estate operations. Since 2018, she has served as Executive Director of the A. R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art in Trinidad, Colorado, where she has directed strategic planning, museum operations, fundraising and grant writing, marketing, community events, donor engagement, exhibition development, and collection care. Previously, she served as General Manager of The Chronicle News, overseeing personnel, business operations, advertising, marketing, circulation, printing, and archives.
“I am deeply honored to join the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum at such a defining moment in its history,” said Allyson Sheumaker. “The Grand Strand possesses a uniquely vibrant energy, and I look forward to collaborating with the board, the talented staff, and our community partners to expand our cultural footprint, welcome new audiences, and lead this exceptional institution into its next great era of artistic excellence and civic impact.”
Sheumaker’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the Art Museum. Building on a strong legacy of exhibitions, education, and community engagement, the Museum looks forward to welcoming Sheumaker to Myrtle Beach and working together to expand the museum’s reach, deepen community connections, and create new opportunities for visitors to experience the power of art.
