October 11, 2023
Charles Burke: Tales of a Maestro CEO
7:00 Lecture | KIA Auditorium
5:30 Reception; Desserts following Lecture
Programs are free for Art League members, $10 for KIA members, $12 for public. Non-members can pay at the door.
Charles Burke will speak about his journey as an arts administrator, arts educator and his vision for the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. In February 2023, Charles Burke became the new President and CEO of Meijer Gardens succeeding David Hooker, who announced his retirement in 2022. Burke brings years of experience in arts and culture to his new role, having served as president and CEO of The War Memorial Association in Grosse Pointe Farms for the past nine years. Previously, Burke spent a significant portion of his career as both an executive and orchestral conductor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO).
“I am honored to be selected as the next president and CEO of such a world-renowned and beloved cultural institution,” Burke said. “I am eager to work with the talented team at Meijer Gardens.” Burke is a graduate of Leadership Detroit XXXV and holds degrees from George Mason University and West Virginia University, executive leadership training at the Harvard Business School and Columbia College and as a Creative Alliances Fellow and Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Fellow for National Arts Strategies.
He is active in the nonprofit sector, volunteering in several roles including board director for Jefferson East, TechTown Detroit, community advisory board for Beaumont Health Grosse Pointe, editorial board of the Grosse Pointe News, executive producer for Live Inspired Productions and Michigan Youth Arts Festival.

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ART LEAGUE is a motivated and dedicated volunteer organization founded to organize annual lecture series at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Annual dues (valid July 1st thru the next June 30th) are $40.
Since 1955, lecturers have been selected from across the US from the forefront of experts who create, curate, study, or write about art. Art League programs promote understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the visual arts for its members, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and our community.
Check out what our past lecturers have been doing since they spoke to Art League!
October 9, 2019
Crime Scene Conservation: Preserving the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death
April 10, 2019