I love the Huntsville Museum of Art. How could I not? They introduced me to my new BFF, Gloria Vanderbilt. So naturally I’m all over their next (and final) lecture in the Voices of Our Time series featuring, Betty C. Monkman this Thursday, March 29th. Betty will be talking about her time as the White House Curator, an office she held for more than 30 years.

What Is a White House Curator?

I shall assume you know what the White House is (you know that large WHITE dwelling Barak and Co. hang out in?) so its probably the curator part that’s got you confused. Back in the time of Camelot, my other pal (I know I’ve got a lot of famous buddies) Jackie Kennedy declared the White House a museum. Ok  well maybe she didn’t declare it, but she worked tirelessly to revamp the entire image of White House, restored countless historic relics, and gave a televised tour of the White House, exposing millions of Americans to the inside of the White House. But we won’t mince words.

So we’re back in Camelot. Now a museum, the White House needed a curator. According to The White House Museum, their job description includes:

 “The historian and chief preserver of the White House’s historical furnishings in the same way the curator of any other museum does.”

Art in the White House

What kind of art is hanging on the halls at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (that’s the White House)? Think its filled with portraits of old guys in wigs from the founding fathers’ time?

Think again!

Because of people like the White House Curator and the distinct taste of each President and First Lady the art work is constantly changing. Currently works by Cézanne and Monet decorate the walls along side portraits of past presidents. The Obamas plan to bring the White House up to modern times, art wise. Their art wish list includes Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, Robert Rauschenberg, Alexander Calder and Louise Nevelson. Click here to view the entire catalogue of art.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, March 29, 2012
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Huntsville Museum of Art
Cost: $20 members, $30 non-members. Click here to purchase.