Former Dallas Zoo and Dallas Museum of Art executive Emma Vernon has been named as the new executive director of the Cedars Union, a North Texas nonprofit artist incubator.

Cedars Union said that Vernon is a transformational leader in the nonprofit sector and brings a wealth of experience in arts and cultural advocacy, philanthropy, and strategic organizational growth.

“After 10 years, The Cedars Union has established itself as a crucial hub for emerging and mid-career artists in North Texas. Emma is the right person at the right time to take our proven model and elevate it to the next level.” Caroline Kim, board chair of The Cedars Union, said in a statement.

In conjunction with the leadership change, The Cedars Union said it received a $500,000 unrestricted gift from The Eugene McDermott Foundation, a significant investment that will serve as a catalyst for the organization’s future. The Union said the funding comes at a pivotal time in the organization’s growth and will support operational sustainability, community expansion, and long-term strategic planning, including the incubation of The Cedars Union’s largest cohort of artists to date.

“The Eugene McDermott Foundation’s investment in The Cedars Union is about more than just funding—it’s about ensuring that artists in Dallas have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Grace Cook, a Eugene McDermott Foundation trustee. “We believe in the power of artists to shape the cultural identity of North Texas, and we hope this gift encourages others to step forward and invest in the future of our creative community.”

Incubator for artists

Founded in 2015, The Cedars Union is a nonprofit arts incubator dedicated to supporting emerging artists in North Texas. Through its studio programs, educational initiatives, and collaborative workspace, The Cedars Union provides a vital foundation for artists to develop their careers and connect with the broader arts community.

Since its founding by siblings Matt and Megan Bowdon, The Cedars Union has provided resources for North Texas artists, including studio space, access to professional tools, career development programs, and a collaborative creative community. More than 60 artists have participated in its incubator program, with more than 150 additional creatives actively engaged in CU programming.

Notable North Texas artists who have incubated at the CU include Jeremy Biggers, Riley Holloway, Desiree Vaniecia, Carmen Menza, Kristin Moore, Tina Medina, Leili Tavallaei, and Christina Hahn. The upcoming fifth cohort, launching this month, marks a milestone as the largest group ever selected from the most competitive applicant pool in the organization’s history.

“Having a dedicated space to create my work was essential to growing my practice and achieving my artistic vision. However, it isn’t just space—it’s also the people and the relationship between artists, creative professionals, and staff that makes The Cedars Union truly special,” Vaniecia said. 

Replacing seed funding

Before joining The Cedars Union, Vernon was senior director of individual giving and membership at The Dallas Zoo, where she led her team to record-breaking fundraising success.

Vernon’s arts leadership experience includes roles at the Dallas Museum of Art and as a board member for Texas Vignette.
 
She joined The Cedars Union last year as director of development and marketing, and CU said Vernon has had a huge impact in a short amount of time, including leading strategic planning efforts through participation in TACA’s Arts Accelerator program, the introduction of Minerva’s Feast, a sold-out, chef-driven, fundraising dinner chaired by Tara Lewis, and secured initial financial support to replace seed funding, which ended in 2024, including the pivotal $500,000 grant from The Eugene McDermott Foundation.

“North Texas is home to world-class arts institutions, but individual artists are being left behind. Or they’re choosing to leave North Texas behind, moving away in order to ‘make it.’ The Cedars Union plays a critical role in ensuring that artists have the resources, space, and support they need to build sustainable careers,” said Vernon, Executive Director of The Cedars Union.

She went on to stress the importance of the latest grant.

“This gift from The Eugene McDermott Foundation comes at a pivotal moment, as our seed funding came to an end in 2024,” Vernon said. “They have stepped forward to help lead investment in the proven model we’ve built for artists, demonstrating a deep commitment to strengthening the cultural fabric of North Texas.”

While significant investments have been made in major North Texas arts institutions, individual artists continue to face challenges securing affordable studio space, professional development, and career support, the organization said. The Cedars Union invites donors, arts patrons, and community leaders to join in building a city where artists can thrive, create, and contribute to the region’s cultural identity.

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