Sikeston museum administrator tapped to head arts council

Several months after the resignation of former executive director Rebecca Fulgham, the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri has named her replacement.

The arts council announced on Friday that Delilah Tayloe, currently the administrator of the Sikeston Depot Historical and Cultural Center, will take over the position starting June 1.

"The arts council board sees Delilah's extensive programmatic experience, grant-writing success and significant history of community outreach activities as a good match for the current growth the arts council is experiencing," said arts council board of directors chair Claudia Ruediger. "Delilah brings vision and experience as an artist in her own right, and we look forward to her leadership."

Tayloe's experience includes two years as the exhibit director and collections manager at the Southeast Missouri Regional Museum, five years as curator and exhibit director during the early years of the Stars and Stripes Museum and Library in Bloomfield, Mo., and three years as administrator for the Sikeston Depot Historical and Cultural Center.

Tayloe is also a member of the River Heritage Association in Sikeston, the Sikeston Lions Club and a the design committee of the Historic Midtown Development Group.

During her time as a student at Southeast Missouri State University, Tayloe also worked on projects for Old Town Cape and at the Center for Regional History.

Tayloe and the arts council board of directors haven't met to discuss the future of the organization under Tayloe's leadership.

Already the new director is looking to use her extensive connections in the area to improve the arts council and work in partnership with other local arts organizations, she said.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182