New director takes reins at art museum

Heather Wenthold began work as the executive director of the Cedarburg Art Museum on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

A reception for Wenthold and the newest exhibit, “The Art of Charles Porteus,” will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26.

Wenthold has worked for nonprofit organizations for the past 20 years, primarily in the field of education. In her most recent position as president and chief executive officer of Sonnenberg Schools Inc. in Racine, she led a team of 35 teachers and staff members who work with nearly 200 students with special needs.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the meaningful work that has been, and will continue to be, done within our beautiful community. I look forward to a future filled with strong relationships, new adventures and a deepening sense of pride in the artistic footprint that we are privileged to leave on not only Cedarburg, but Wisconsin as a whole,” Wenthold said in a release.

She and her husband Jonathan Bartsch live in Cedarburg with their four children. The change in leadership occurs as the museum celebrates its 10 year anniversary.