Today we met up with these two wonderful young artist, Jace and Alaia, and their mom, Liz Macklin. Liz just recently moved to San Antonio from southern Louisiana, and this was their very first time vising the McNay Art Museum. And their story goes…

Q: How long have you guys been in San Antonio?

Jace: I think two weeks…

Liz: Two weeks, but it feels like a month. There is SO much to see here and so much to do. It is very different than my hometown in Louisiana.

Q: What was the best part of being a “Member for a day” at the McNay?

Jace: I was able to see the koi fish in the pond and the puppets in the exhibition (referencing the Lesley Dill: Performance as Art exhibition).

Alaia: I like the courtyard with the fish and flowers.

Liz: The very first exhibition we saw when we arrived was Lesley Dill: Performance as Art. Just last summer when I was still working on my BFA in art at Nicholls State University, I came across Dill’s work and was immediately drawn to the way she uses text. As a graphic designer, there is no way you can overlook such beauty. To see her work in person was breath-taking. Back during my studies at Nicholls State, I was assigned a project to do a mock reworking of an artist’s website, so I picked Lesley Dill. Of course I had to do research and really get to know her work to get a feel of how her aesthetic could carry over into the design of a website. It was a pleasure to know her work so intimately. Seeing this exhibition and her work today is such a coincidence. I’m floored. Being a “Member for a Day” gave me direct access to view the work of someone I admire so much. That is priceless. 

Q: What a great response to seeing this exhibition! What did your children most respond to during your visit?

Liz: Well, they were definitely excited to see how the McNay residence was turned into an art museum, and to know that she bequeathed her personal collection made it very intimate. They also responded to the interactive portion of the Recycled, Repurposed, Reborn exhibition. The assemblage wall created a hands-on experience for them, and you don’t always encounter such interactivity in an art museum. 

Q: How likely are you to move forward with purchasing a museum membership?

Liz: Very likely. The kids are excited about the programs offered here, and I love that there is a place for me to come and do research (referencing the McNay Library).

Q: What programs are you most excited about utilizing with your new membership?

Liz: ArtFULL Wednesdays for sure for me, and the kids will love family day. I especially love that you offer a family-friendly evening each month on the grounds (referencing Second Thursdays at the McNay) because I’m eager to meet like-minded people since I’m still so new to San Antonio. We will definitely be here for the Second Thursday event in August.