New director of NCMA affable, passionate, credentialed, confident

After spending time with the new director earlier this week, I am confident the horizon in bright, maybe even spectacular! Hillings brings not only her impressive credentials to the job, but, as with her predecessor, she brings a passion for the arts and an equal passion to teach others. Affable and confident, her enchantment of all things art is contagious.

“As I walk through the museum and see the school children I see the future of the state and the future of art,” Hillings said.

She remembers her own past that ultimately led to what would become her future.

“I studied art history in high school and at Duke University,” she said.

Making our way through the galleries she talked with me about what she considered the state of art today.

"I think what's most exciting is art has become global in its perception. And the great art collections at the NCMA begin with antiquities and end in the present, so I see the 'now' with my experience in the global art world to rethink history."

Part of the rethinking process is for anyone who visits a museum to be open to the process of individually viewing and enjoying the moments, and not be afraid to say to others what you see.

Hillings agreed. “Yes, for the classics through works of today. When viewing contemporary works, people say, 'There's nothing written on that.' I say, 'That's because you're going to write it.'”

Valarie Hillings brings youth, vitality and a look to the horizon for the NCMA.