Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Hearst.
Alison, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My interest in contemporary art started early on, and I always knew I wanted to be involved in the arts in some capacity. After receiving my undergraduate degree in art history, I went on to graduate school and specialized in modern and contemporary art. Throughout graduate school, I had many internships at local galleries and museums, including the Modern.
I was also writing for art publications and organizing exhibitions as a freelancer in my spare time, which really solidified my interest in becoming a curator. A few months after earning my MA, I started working full-time at the Modern in the director’s office, which then led to a position in the curatorial department. I began by supporting the other curators on their exhibitions and projects, and eventually, I was organizing my own exhibitions. I’ve been with the Modern for 10 years now.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is dedicated to collecting, presenting, and interpreting international developments in post-World War II art. Our current building was designed by renowned Japanese architect, Tadao Ando, and sits on a 1.5-acre pond. Although our museum building opening in 2002, we are the oldest museum in Texas and we are celebrating our 125th anniversary this year. Our permanent collection represents the history of post-World War II art exceptionally well, which is something we are all very proud of.
While I have many responsibilities at the museum, my main role is curator of the FOCUS series. Every season I present three solo exhibitions of emerging to mid-career artists, and each year the FOCUS series culminates in a museum acquisition. I have organized other exhibitions in addition to the FOCUS series, such as Donald Sultan: The Disaster Paintings, which recently traveled to the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Fort Worth has many vibrant museums, including the Kimbell and the Amon Carter, so the Modern fits quite nicely within the city’s cultural district. All three art museums have separate areas of focus, so between the three institutions, the exhibitions and permanent collections are quite extensive and diverse for a city of this size.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.themodern.org
- Phone: 817.738.9215
- Email: info@themodern.org
Image Credit:
David Woo
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