Carolyn Bess
Director of Programming
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I oversee Arts & Letters Live, Adult Programming and Multimedia Services, and Family Experiences and Community Engagement at the Museum. I work with an amazing team to connect peopleof all ages and the arts in creative ways.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I love traveling, reading, quilting, antiquing, and enjoying all the Arts District has to offer since I live downtown.
One of my favorite exhibitions at the DMA was China and Glass in America: From Tabletop to TV Tray because I have a slight obsession with china (my cabinets are full).
My experience at the International Spy Museum in DC indicated that I could have been a spy if I’d chosen a different career path.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
It was painful to edit this list, because I have too many favorites to count.
Gerald Murphy, Watch, 1925
Gothic Revival Bedstead
Constantin Brancusi, The Beginning of the World, c. 1920
Amanda Blake
Manger of Family Experiences and Access Programs
My job and me in 50 words or less . . .
I manage a variety of programs for families to enjoy at the Museum including classes, camps, Family Celebrations, and studio activities. I get to teach children about works of art in the gallery and collaborate with an amazing team. I also oversee programming for visitors with special needs.
Three things about me but not about my work . . .
My dog, George Costanza, and I love spending time together and enjoy going swimming, participating in therapy dog visits, and competing in agility.
I have a large collection of gnomes.
When I was younger I wanted to be an astronaut and attended space camp at Kennedy Space Center.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Mink and Mannequin by Reginald Marsh, 1940
Odalisque (Hey, Hey Frankenthaler) by Lynda Benglis, 1969
Girls Sitting in Union Square Fountain by Isabel Bishop, 1936
Hillary Bober
Digital Archivist
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I am the museum’s go to girl for all things historical, from 1903 to last year. I know, or can figure out, what was done when, by who, and why. I also work to make the museum’s history publically accessible online.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I have had more “snow days” in my two years in Dallas than my entire time growing up in Wisconsin.
I have a BA in Anthropology/Archaeology and excavated slag and what may have been a stone floor for 7 weeks on my field school in northwest England.
I have been on the hunt for a hobby for a long time, and will happily accept any suggestions.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Morris Louis, Delta Kappa, 1960
Gustave Caillebotte, Yellow Roses in a Vase (Roses jaunes dans un vase), 1882
Robert King (Designer) and Albert C. Roy (Maker), Celestial Centerpiece for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, 1964
Laura Bruck
Guest Blogger, Education consultant
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I produce educational materials for use on the web,on smartphones, and in the galleries.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
On the weekends you can usually find me running around Whiterock Lake.
When I am not running around the Lake, I am usually running after my two young boys or my dogs.
I collect old photo albums and scrapbooks. I love making up stories about the people in the pictures.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Amedeo Modigliani, Boy in Short Pants: I was an intern at the DMA back in highschool. This painting was one of the reasons why I wanted to study art history.
Spanish Altarpiece: I studied medieval art in graduate school, and this is one of the few medieval pieces at the DMA. I love how it is both monumental and intimate at the same time. The artist’s attention to details ask you to look closely at each scene. Joseph’s mittens and the mouth of hell are my favorite.
Cycladic Figurine: It’s so simple and spare, it almost looks modern.
Hannah Burney
McDermott Intern for Community Teaching
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I primarily work with our Go van Gogh program, which brings art and learning into the classrooms of Dallas elementary schools. I help train volunteers, organize program logistics, and contribute ideas for future education programs. But my favorite thing is teaching! Those days always end with lots of hugs.
Three things about me but not about my work . . .
I have lived on the west coast my whole life, in Seattle, San Francisco and Santa Cruz.
I’ve always dreamed of going on a rollercoaster road trip, in which I get to drive through the U.S. and stop at every major rollercoaster and theme park. A pretty fun way to go see the country!
I love board games and cards. When my family gets together, we’ve been known to play games until the sun comes up.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Shiva Nataraja, India: Chola Dynasty, 11th century
Portrait of a Young Woman, Amedeo Modigliani, 1916-1919
Seasickness at the Bal, on Board an English Corvette (Le mal de mer, au bal, abord d’une corvette Anglaise), Francois-Auguste Biard, 1860s
Sarah Coffey
Assistant to the Chair of Learning Initiatives and former McDermott Education Intern, Adult Programming
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I provide support for our Director of Education and the Education Division in general, helping out with all kinds of projects whenever I am needed. I also coordinate our McDermott Internship Program by organizing applications, planning activities, and making our interns feel at home during their time with us.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I got engaged on the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
I love mid-century modern, abstract expressionism, and Mad Men.
I held an actual piece of an Ancient Egyptian sarcophagus at the Horniman Museum in London—and you can too when you visit!
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Eiffel Tower by Robert Delaunay, 1924
Grey Blue & Black-Pink Circle by Georgia O’Keeffe, 1929
Orb by Adolf Gottlieb, 1964
Kimberly Daniell
Public Relations Specialist
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
My job involves passing along information about all the wonderful art, programs, and events that happen at the DMA. In the process I get to meet and interact with artists, authors, local TV talent, and the visitors. Every day is different and exciting in the Public Relations department.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I love Paris, France. I think it is the most amazing city in the world.
I’ve loved Monet since I first learned about him in first grade.
I love to travel and explore the history of a place.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Eiffel Tower by Robert Delaunay, 1924
Dorothy by John Singer Sargent, 1900
Eros Lamp Holder Greek, early 1st century B.C.
Mandy Engleman
Director of Creative Services
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I’m responsible for the visual aesthetic of the Museum in all print, digital, and web-based communications. My team and I collaborate with all departments of the Museum to produce everything from invitations and brochures to the website and environmental signage.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I love “So You Think You Can Dance”
I have a Basset Hound/Yellow Lab mix named Sabrina and a cat named Loo Loo.
I have a super sense of smell.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Pergamon Museum I, Berlin by Thomas Struth
Counter Ground by Tatsuo Miyajima
Device by Jasper Johns
Auriel Garza
Curatorial Assistant for Ancient Art, Non-Western Art, and Decorative Arts & Design
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I support four curators in the areas of Non-Western Art, Ancient Art, and Decorative Arts & Design by helping them research and plan for exhibitions, publications, and future acquisitions. I’m also a sort of bridge between them and their colleagues in and outside the museum. I maintain their schedules and continually investigate their whereabouts in an effort to make business at the DMA run more smoothly.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I recently took up long distance running and am working towards my first half-marathon.
I’m a foodie who loves road-tripping. My boyfriend and I are diligently working our way through Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Greatest Hamburgers In Texas.
For one of my next birthdays, I would like to go whale watching. The Orca Whale is my favorite animal and I dream about them pretty frequently.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Untitled (35), Lee Bontecou, 1961, welded metal and canvas, Dallas Museum of Art, Foundation for the Arts Collection, gift of an anonymous foundation
Reliquary guardian figure, 1800-1860, Mvaï group, Fang peoples, Ntem region, Gabon, Africa, wood, Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc.
Eccentric flint depicting a crocodile canoe with passengers, Maya culture, Late Classic period, c. AD 600–900, flint, Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., in honor of Mrs. Alex Spence
Adam Gingrich
Marketing Administrative Assistant
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I would market my job as the rubber band for the Marketing department. I always stay flexible enough to support our ever busy PR, Sales, and Graphic Design teams. From scheduling meetings and handling donation requests, to budget tracking and photography, I am always finding a new use for myself.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I can make really good tortillas
I would like to live in a tree house one day
Sometimes I wish I could just go to Tosche Station and pick up some power converters
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Device, Jasper Johns
Still Life #2, Francis Adams Comstock
Standing power figure (nkisi nkondi)
Leah Hanson
Manager of Early Learning Programs
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
Most days, you are likely to find me sitting on the floor in the museum galleries surrounded by toddlers and preschoolers. I play many games of “I Spy” with works of art, read pictures books, and have even made chocolate play dough, all to help young children discover art.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
My trusty sewing machine and I spend lots of quality time together—I love making aprons, quilts, and bags.
I was once an extra on an episode of The West Wing.
My favorite class at the gym is “Jump & Pump” which is slightly embarrassing and makes me laugh every time I say it.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Ivy in Flower, Henri Matisse
Chestnut Trees, a Cartoon for a Tiffany Stained-Glass Window, Edouard Vuillard
Fisherman’s Little Sister, Alice Kent Stoddard
Jessica Harden
Exhibition Design Coordinator
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
Let’s see . . . Exhibition design is a little hard to explain. I don’t just design spaces, although this is a huge part of what I do; I design experiences. It’s part architecture, part interior design, part furniture designer, part creative development, part project management, part research, part interpretation, part imagineer.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I’m a Texan, born and bred. My family has lived here since it was the Republic of Texas. I’ve lived in a lot of different places, but Texas will always be my home.
I am a yogini. Most of my time outside of work is spent practicing, studying, and loving yoga. I’ve been practicing on and off for almost 12 years now. I am even planning on getting certified to teach in the very near future.
I refuse to be put into a box, and I am chock full of contradictions. I’m a country girl that loves living in the city. I’m a hometown pageant queen that loves getting her hands dirty. I’m 5’10 and drive a smartcar.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Traction Splint by Charles and Ray Eames
To think that the ubiquitous forms of bent plywood modern furniture started with the resolve and determination to figure out how to fabricate a lightweight and durable splint for the US Navy . . .
Ocean Park No.29 by Richard Diebenkorn
Maybe it is the ordered geometric divisions that create its composition, maybe it is the painterly quality of the artist’s hand, perhaps it is the potency of its fields of color, or the subtleness of the hues within them, whatever it is, it takes my breath away every time.
Un Ballo in Maschera by Yinka Shonibare
There are so many components and complexities to this work of art that you start to wonder what is so special about a painting.
Denise Helbing
Manager of Partner Programs
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I work in Adult Programming and work with many community partners who put on their programs here at the DMA. I really like this because I am always doing something different—from films to lectures to performances. I also oversee the Jazz in the Atrium and Jazz Under the Stars concert series.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I have a pet turtle named Aquarius who is 10 years old.
I am married to a drummer and have MANY drum sets in my house.
I like cooking and baking treats to share with people—including my coworkers!
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Gerald Murphy, Watch, 1925
The Jazz Bowl by Viktor Schreckengost
I also love all the glass pieces, serving pieces and dishes up in the Decorative Arts Study Gallery on the 4th floor. I especially am fond of the classic Fiestaware since I also collect Fiestaware.
Mary Jordan
McDermott Education Intern with Family Experiences and Access Programs
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I love being an art museum educator! As an education intern, I’m involved with the thoughtful (and powerful!) arts programming that combines observation and discussion of works of art, and reflective art-making for all ages and abilities. There’s always something new!
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I love printmaking, and drawing with graphite pencil.
As a medical illustrator, I have sketched in the OR during an open heart surgery.
My husband proposed to me on the observation deck of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day!
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Vase of White Lilacs and Roses, Édouard Manet, 1879 (and everything by Manet!)
Reclining Mother and Child, Henry Moore, 1974-76
Le Divan Japonais, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1893
Wendi Kavanaugh
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I manage all the member programs from special events to emails to keep all members in the know so they can take full advantage of everything their museum offers. I also coordinate our special member mailings and work with our community to educate them about DMA membership.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I love to read, knit and golf but not at the same time.
I’m working on a PhD.
I’m doing project called Day Zero where you do 101 random things in 1001 days.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Orange, Red, and Red by Mark Rothko
Slate Cross by Franz Kline
Jane Austen by Cassandra Austen (a work on paper, that is currently in storage)
Stacey Lizotte
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I oversee and help create the adult programming at the Museum including Late Nights, Thursday Night Live, lectures, gallery programs, concerts, and programs offered in partnership with other community organizations. I also work with our Multimedia staff to make sure any programs requiring technical support go off without a hitch.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I’m short.
My favorite band is The Cure.
My favorite book is Pride & Prejudice.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Untitled (Perfect Lovers) by Félix González-Torres
The Singer by Thomas Wilmer Dewing
Bacchic Concert by Pietro Paolini
Martha MacLeod
Curatorial Administrative Assistant, European and American Art
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I’ve only been at the DMA a few months, and there is a lot a variety in my job. Basically I support the European and American Art Curators by doing everything from making their travel arrangements, to mentoring the interns, and completing research about artists and artworks. One of my favorite projects so far has been helping the curators shop for new frames for some of the paintings in the collection.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I can balance a spoon on my nose
I am a HUGE Boston Red Sox Fan
My favorite book (and movie) is To Kill a Mockingbird
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Frank Duveneck’s Lady with a Red Hat (Portrait of Maggie Wilson)
At the Piano by Cecilia Beaux
Emma by George Bellows
Anne Palamara
Director of Foundation and Government Relations
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I write grant proposals to foundations and government agencies to apply for funding for the Museum’s many exhibitions, educational programs, and other important initiatives. I love my job because I get to work with people from nearly every department.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
1. I paint in my spare time.
2. I’m extremely accident-prone—I’ve dislocated my elbow three times.
3. I involuntarily edit everything, including personal emails and colloquial conversation. This tendency earned me an unprintable nickname in college.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
1. Accumulation, Yayoi Kusama
2. Nomads, Christian Schumann
3. Cathedral, Jackson Pollock
Maria Teresa G. Pedroche
Head of Family Experiences & Community Engagement
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I oversee and help create family experiences & community events both at the Museum and off-site that include exhibitions developed in partnership with community organizations. I collaborate with a talented specialized team who are passionate about their work with diverse audiences. We develop in-depth experiences that strengthen museum visits and community partnerships.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I love traveling, reading, creating art, listening to international music, and Pedro Almodovar films.
One of my favorite exhibitions at the DMA was Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art. Working with living artists in the exhibition was a highlight.
I organized an exhibition of my favorite Spanish photographer Cristina Garcia Rodero at the Meadows Museum.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Spanish Colonial Cabinet, 1680 – 1700
El Hombre by Rufino Tamayo
Panel with rectangles of blue and yellow featherwork, c. 650-850 A.D.
Nicole Stutzman
Director of Teaching Programs and Partnerships
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I collaborate with fantastic colleagues to shape teaching and learning experiences for K-12 audiences, primarily. I most love partnerships with artist, schools, and community organizations, which bring together people, art, and ideas that lead to in-depth experiences. I also oversee Tech Lab programs in the Center for Creative Connections.
Three things about me but not about my work . . .
A lover of mid-century modernity, my china cabinet is full of Russel Wright American Modern originals and my birthday gift a few years ago was a 1952 Electrolux Model LX vacuum cleaner.
I sewed clothes for 10-years in 4-H growing up and now consider myself a “Sunday seamstress.”
I would like to learn to read music, sing, and play the harmonica.
Favorite three works in the DMA…
Electrolux “Model 30” Vacuum Cleaner, Lurelle Guild for Electrolux Corporation, designed 1937
Wall panel with figure of a slain shaman, Indonesia (Mentawai Islands), c. 1900
Untitled by Clyfford Still, 1964
Edleeca Thompson
Texas Curatorial Fund Research Assistant for the Arts of Africa Reinstallation Project
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I’m assisting Dr. Roslyn Walker in gathering information from recently installed collections of African art, both in the US and abroad, in anticipation of the reinstallation of the African gallery at the DMA. We’re observing current installations, as well as the use of new media, in order to more adequately present the richness and depth of African art to the DMA’s patrons.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I love the outdoors, playing French Horn in my spare time, and I’m a long-time Dallas Cowboys fan!
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
Standing Male Ancestor Figure (singiti)—Arts of Africa Collection
Seated Ruler in Ritual Pose—Ancient American Art
Bouquet of Flowers in a Terracotta Vase with Peaches and Grapes, by Anne Vallayer-Coster—European Painting and Sculpture
Kevin W. Tucker
The Margot B. Perot Curator of Decorative Arts and Design
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I care for, research, write about, and exhibit aspects of the DMA’s collection of about 8,000 European and American decorative arts and design objects, dating from the sixteenth century to the present.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I am learning to play the ukulele — and have played the bagpipes
I built my own regulation pétanque piste (twice)
I am fascinated by Marquesan and New Guinea art
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
That’s my secret. It’s too much like naming one’s favorite children.
Joni Wilson
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I can usually be found in a meeting, on my way to a meeting, scheduling a meeting, or performing “other duties as assigned”.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I love to hang out with my dog Josefina, listen to excessive amounts of NPR, and watch I Love Lucy.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
I could never list just three works, but I do really enjoy the Rauschenberg Skyway, Renoir Lise Sewing, and the Hopper Lighthouse Hill.
Eric Zeidler
Publications Manager
Me and my job in 50 words or less . . .
I do everything from hauling cartons of books up from the dock to drawing up contracts and working with scholars, editors, and designers. My favorite part of the job involves editing text.
Three things about me, but not about my work . . .
I’m a writer, I keep a diary with over 75 volumes so far (since 1979), and I have a morbid fear of pit vipers (especially moccasins), tsunamis, freak waves, and deep ocean trenches.
Favorite three works in the DMA . . .
College of Animals by Cornelis Saftleven
Intervista by Anri Sala
Celtic Tale by Paul Serusier
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