The Peoria Art Guild is searching for a new executive director.
Shannon Cox announced Thursday, Aug. 7, she stepped down from her position July 18, sharing in a Facebook post leaving was not something she wanted to do, but rather something she needed to do.
“As I look back on that time, I feel deeply grateful for everything we accomplished together including exhibitions, art education, the Fine Art Fair, Sculpture Walk Peoria and so much more,” she wrote. “Most of all, I’m thankful for the people. The relationships and friendship that I built within the art community are what I value most, and I carry those connections with me as I move into this new chapter.”
In her post, Cox also dispelled rumors she was sick: “I want to let everyone know I am healthy and doing well adjusting to his new slower chapter in my life,” she said.
Cox served as executive director at The Pekin Academy of Fine Arts before joining the Peoria Art Guild as executive director in November 2018, becoming an integral part of Peoria’s art scene over the years.
In May 2025, she was awarded the 2025 Arts Award sponsored by Fine Arts Society of Peoria, recognizing her leadership and dedication to the arts community, and started an “Art Without Boundaries” program providing free arts education to children in central Illinois.
Cox told the Journal Star she decided to leave the organization due to lifestyle changes and a desire to spend more time with family, but her time with the Peoria Art Guild was “a beautiful seven years.”
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“This was not an easy choice, as I am incredibly proud of the time I’ve spent with his historical organization and the many accomplishments we’ve achieved together,” she wrote in a statement. “I’m looking forward to taking some time to be with my family and to enjoy some precious time with my grandchildren.”
The Peoria Art Guild has not formally announced her departure, but is accepting applications for Cox’s replacement until the position is filled. A member of the organization was not immediately available for comment Thursday, Aug. 7.
“While I’m stepping away from this role, my passion for the arts and for the community remain strong,” Cox said, “and I am looking forward to continuing to support both in new and meaningful ways.”
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria Art Guild executive director resigns after seven years
