Mesquite, TX – July 23, 2018 – Today, the City of Mesquite welcomed Cohn Drennan to the community as he started his first day on the job as the new Manager of the Mesquite Arts Center. Cohn said, “I am honored to be chosen to lead this innovative arts center and staff, all its artists and performers, as well as the tremendous group of volunteers who are dedicated to the arts in this community.”
Drennan was the co-owner and director of Cohn Drennan Contemporary, where he specialized in innovative community arts partnerships. Additionally, he provided strategic support for museums and educational institutions. Drennan was also the Museum Director for Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University, Museum Specialist for Works of Art on Paper for the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Exhibitions Assistant for the Washington Project for the Arts.
In addition to his domestic arts management background, Drennan brings international cultural experiences to Mesquite. He was the Deputy Director for the United States Department of State, Art in Embassies Program in Washington, D.C. As the Chief Civil Service Officer for the Art in Embassies program, Drennan increased international cultural awareness of American art through exhibitions at United States embassies worldwide.
Mr. Drennan earned a Master of Fine Arts in Photography, Painting, Printmaking and 20th Century Art History from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design with a minor in Music from Abilene Christian University.