In our Summer Q&A series, we profile members of the McNay staff to show a behind-the-scenes look at all the people who make the McNay what it is! Today we feature Daniela Oliver de Portillo, who is celebrating her last day after 10 wonderful years at the McNay! Daniela is embarking on an exciting new professional venture in the Fall of 2017. We wish her much happiness and thank her for a decade of priceless creativity.
What has been your role at the McNay?
I served as the Head of Communications and Marketing at the McNay Art Museum. My primary role, in a nutshell, has been to spread the word about the McNay! Sharing information about exhibitions, programs, mission, and the McNay’s role as a safe and vibrant community art center.
In your ten years at the McNay, what has been your favorite memory?
The ride! Everything that I had the privilege of experiencing at the McNay made it for the most satisfactory professional experience I could have ever dreamed of. I am so pleased and proud of everything I was able to do and accomplish for the Museum.
What do you like to do outside of work? What are your favorite things to do and places to go in San Antonio?
I love to spend time with my toddler and do activities that he enjoys such as going to the park, the pool, and the DoSeum. I love to cook and entertain friends. My sister, best friend, and I have kids the same age, and our husbands get along phenomenally, every weekend we get together at one of our houses and we cook and watch the kids play and have fun.
What has been your favorite exhibition at the McNay so far? Tell us why.
It is so hard to choose one, but from the recent ones, I’d have to say Miro: The Experience of Seeing. I was introduced to Miro’s work as a child on a trip to Spain, it brought back so many memories of that summer in Spain and I just admire Miro’s freedom, curiosity, and fearlessness. His sculptures were so much fun to look at.
What is one thing about the McNay you wish everyone knew?
I love that all the wood veneer in the Chiego Lecture Hall came from one single tree!