25 Years and Still Counting. . .
Oct 2, 2015
Surprise celebration with Education colleagues, September 2015. Photograph by Hannah Swihart
It is difficult to imagine anyone being anywhere for twenty-five years, and perhaps more so for my under-thirty colleagues in the Education department, but September 5, 2015 was that milestone for me. I secretly hoped that the anniversary would slip by unnoticed, but it didn’t happen. I was lured unsuspectingly to the eighth floor terrace, and there were a few of my wonderful colleagues, peeking out from behind the vents! It was a surprise indeed.
Although quite a few Whitney staff members have been at the Museum far longer than I have, I’ve experienced many changes as the Museum has been through its ongoing transformation, and as I’ve moved from one location to the next and have held evolving job responsibilities. Here are some memorable moments of the past quarter-century from a unique Education perspective:
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Gary Simmons discusses his installation, Garden of Hate (1992) with kids from the Regent Family Residence at the Whitney Museum at Philip Morris (Altria), June 1992. Photograph by George Hirose
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Workshop with Kate Valk, 1992. Photograph by George Hirose
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Taxi crash, 1996
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Education's holiday card, 1996
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Lize Mogel, summer intern, 1991
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Lize Mogel works with a student, 2015. Photograph by Filip Wolak
The opening of the new building in May 2015 was really exciting and another spectacular moment in my time at the Whitney. It has been astounding to witness the positive responses to the new building and the inaugural exhibition, and I’m happy that I’m still around to experience both! One of the most amazing privileges of working at the Whitney is being able to walk into the galleries and immediately be surrounded by extraordinary works of art. After four years of transition, it is a joy to be able to go to our beautiful new galleries on a regular basis. Every day, the artwork and the artists remind me of why I’m here.
By Dina Helal, Manager of Education Resources