The morning ride to Jesuit often includes struggles to complete assignments, worry about a test or pondering interesting topics for lunch. But few students realize that their tuition at Jesuit not only includes a remarkable education, but also a free ticket to a treasured art collection throughout. “The museum seems passive and part of the school,” says The Roundup’s Junior Editor Manager Enrique Berrios ’15. We have recently trusted its works to our new Jesuit Dallas Museum director, Elizabeth Hunt Blanc.
Well known among the DFW artistic community, Mrs. Hunt Blanc has studied and admired works of art with a certain passion, passion that lasted through multiple museum experiences. Locations such as the Meadows Museum, the McKinney Avenue Contemporary, and New York’s renowned Museum of Modern Art exemplify her experience and enthusiasm in the art world. She considers herself fortunate as a child, for her family gave her the opportunity to frequently travel, visit and see noted world art collections, including the National Gallery in London.
Since her recent appointment as Museum Director on July 1, Mrs. Hunt Blanc has absorbed the atmosphere that is Jesuit and its collection. “It’s quite difficult, and I don’t really have a favorite piece,” she remarks. She finds art stimulating, appreciative of the historical aspects art brings with it. Before modern photography, art existed as the only way to document life. “I like how people express themselves, and the different techniques are fascinating.” However, Jesuit’s art gallery deals with more than just beauty…
“I love education and schools. I just thought this would be a wonderful opportunity,” Mrs. Hunt Blanc states. She will use Jesuit’s distinguished education as the basis of her work. Mrs. Hunt Blanc knows that art will aid students in their studies through perception and imagination. As a challenge, examine any work present in the building and relate it to one of your classes, for you will grasp the concept quite effortlessly. She wishes to educate the students in critical thinking purely through contemplating art, and that you will hopefully begin to understand the art’s meaning.
The Museum’s future seems securely entrusted to the new director for years to come. Relationships among Mrs. Hunt Blanc and members on the board of trustees appear positive. Board member Mr. Asche commemorates Mrs. Hunt Blanc’s arrival at Jesuit. “Very exciting! Everyone is thrilled with the choice. Mrs. Hunt Blanc took the bull by the horns,” he quotes, “and put a stamp on the museum. She has introduced new programs and new events, and she has familiarized herself with the collection.” She hopes to represent Jesuit itself and its teachings in the museum. In addition, the school places faith in the museum board of directors for acquiring new pieces (recently a work by George Brock) and obtaining accreditation so that The Jesuit Dallas Museum’s fame reaches outside the walls of the campus. But remember, the students continue the tradition as the Jesuit Dallas Museum’s utmost significant visitors.
