Professional Spotlight: Saralyn Reece Hardy

Saralyn Reece Hardy, Director, Spencer Museum of Art

| 2016 Q3 | photo by Steven Hertzog
Saralyn Reece Hardy

What is your business’s most important commodity or service?

Bringing art and people together!

The Spencer Museum is dedicated to serving the Lawrence community and regional communities through educational experiences with works of art and artists. Utilizing our rich and diverse collections, the art museum contributes to the academic mission of the University of Kansas (KU) and serves as an intersection of creativity among scholars, students, artists and the public.

What is your business’s most important priority?


Our most important priority is to serve as a catalyst for inquiry and discovery through art. To accomplish this, we must “tune” to our audiences on their own terms while bringing the very best scholarship and most thoughtful questions forward in our exhibitions, programs and projects. The urgency at this moment for art museums, especially those in educational settings, is to create an inspiring and empathetic space for all people. Learning spaces need to be beautiful and also comfortable. We must also be deep portals for thought and broad platforms for participation and discourse. Deep and wide—it can’t be either/or. The Spencer Museum must make a difference in people’s lives now and in the future, so we are called to invest in future art and future artists. In the most traditional sense, being fully in the now means caring for the art over time so it is there for generations; and in the most experimental sense, it means to encourage playfulness, apply novel approaches and bring new perspectives to our work. If we have never tried something, this might be the time.

What has been some of the most important aspects of your success?


The Spencer is surrounded and supported by people who love art and are willing to work past sundown to be sure others might take pleasure and meaning from the art. That’s it: love and work.

How many people does The Spencer employ? Serve, interact with on a daily basis, and are responsible to?


As we begin the new academic year, we have 28 staff, 16 students and 50 volunteers. We are responsible to an entire public—the University of Kansas, Lawrence and the state of Kansas are our first circles of responsibility, but, of course, there is more. We relate to an international scholarly and artistic community. We are responsible to communicate our discoveries and add them to a growing body of intellectual and creative work destined for shaping history.

How do you and the Spencer make a positive impact on the Lawrence community?


The Spencer has always been one of the destinations for people coming to Lawrence, but now we are working toward joining our community partners in developing participants rather than audiences for the arts. A participant takes an active role in creating the quality of life. Our more-than-40- year collaboration with Lawrence Public Schools and our Spencer At Large projects that take place in the community provide many points of access and are all part of an overall question in action: How can the Spencer Museum be one of the places in the community and in the world where people can belong locally and globally, question values and assumptions, and explore their lives through art? Our impact should be judged upon how effectively we pose that question. Do we make lives better, more worthwhile, more satisfying?

What would you change about doing business (or working with businesses) in Lawrence?


I would like to be able to frequent every business in Lawrence and have every businessperson frequent the museum— each on our own terms. I grew up in the culture of a small construction company (Reece Construction Co.), and that company was family, and family was the company. Art and business have a key common factor—the value and reward of good work. So maybe some year, I’ll just travel from business to business …

Why did you become involved? What inspires you? Is there a specific thing, person or incident?


My parents took my whole family to Europe when I was 12. That experience changed my life. Seeing the world open through art and then realizing it was not just Europe—art was everywhere. Creativity and expressive work was a path through life. Although I did not know just how, it was then that I knew I wanted to spend my time on a pilgrimage of discovery through art.

What do you see as your personal responsibility and the Spencer’s responsibility to the community?


It begins with paying attention to the overall ecology of the community, learning it—from its natural systems to the plethora of cultural opportunities and the business community. I have had the great pleasure of serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board and the Cultural Planning Committee—both seem like a personal responsibility, both were learning experiences. But for me, the joy comes from less formal responsibilities: visits to artists’ studios, attending poetry readings, kayaking on the river, buying weekly groceries from the farmers’ market, slipping into an art movie downtown. So maybe a personal responsibility is to constantly be in learning mode. At the Spencer, we have been talking about how to be more reflective as we try to learn. I think it is the Spencer’s responsibility to bring the best action and reflection to the community table and learn, always learn.

What is the biggest challenge you feel the Spencer faces?


I think all institutions, and especially those with important historical legacies like the Spencer, face the enormous challenge of balancing contemporary relevance with the tried and true. What should change, what should stay the same? I hope that we can build a system that is as resilient as some of those I see in nature. We will need to adapt and go into workaround mode while we continue to persist with the big ideas. Art has power, and the systems need change to support that fact and continue to provide access to art.

What do you foresee as being the biggest challenge for the future for your industry? And how are you addressing or preparing for it?


There is a set of challenges. How can we become more inclusive to all people? How can we protect and nurture personal freedoms of expression? How can we lead learning and inquiry with our colleagues at KU in a climate of budgetary restraint?

I believe in groups, ensembles, rambunctious teams of people that work on puzzles and opportunities together. I am preparing for the Spencer Museum’s future by trying to attract people who are quietly bold and experimental, who want to live and work with people who bring different perspectives. I respect people who are willing to go out on a limb but go on that lim b with all they have to give. So preparing for the future to me means trying to surround one’s self with creative difference, hard workers and people who think art is one of the ways to a better future. We have to have that hope—a better future.



Share.

235 Comments

  1. Definitely believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the web the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think about worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  2. Whats up! I simply would like to give an enormous thumbs up for the great information you might have right here on this post. I will likely be coming again to your weblog for extra soon.

  3. Today, with all the fast lifestyle that everyone is having, credit cards get this amazing demand throughout the economy. Persons out of every area of life are using the credit card and people who not using the card have made up their minds to apply for 1. Thanks for spreading your ideas about credit cards.

  4. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and everything. Nevertheless think about if you added some great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this website could certainly be one of the very best in its field. Very good blog!

  5. You made some decent points there. I looked on the net for additional information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.

  6. I realized more new things on this fat reduction issue. One issue is that good nutrition is tremendously vital while dieting. A tremendous reduction in fast foods, sugary foodstuff, fried foods, sugary foods, pork, and white colored flour products may be necessary. Retaining wastes harmful bacteria, and poisons may prevent desired goals for losing belly fat. While a number of drugs temporarily solve the situation, the terrible side effects are not worth it, they usually never present more than a momentary solution. It is a known indisputable fact that 95 of celebrity diets fail. Many thanks for sharing your thinking on this website.

  7. Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the net the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and outlined out the entire thing without having side effect , other folks can take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thanks

  8. Undeniably believe that that you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the internet the simplest factor to understand of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed whilst other folks consider worries that they just do not understand about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the entire thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thank you

  9. F*ckin? amazing things here. I?m very glad to see your article. Thanks a lot and i’m looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?

  10. sex nhật hiếp dâm trẻ em ấu dâm buôn bán vũ khí ma túy bán súng sextoy chơi đĩ sex bạo lực sex học đường tội phạm tình dục chơi les đĩ đực người mẫu bán dâm

  11. sex nhật hiếp dâm trẻ em ấu dâm buôn bán vũ khí ma túy bán súng sextoy chơi đĩ sex bạo lực sex học đường tội phạm tình dục chơi les đĩ đực người mẫu bán dâm

  12. Hey there are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!

  13. I would also love to add if you do not already have got an insurance policy or perhaps you do not participate in any group insurance, you could well benefit from seeking assistance from a health agent. Self-employed or people having medical conditions usually seek the help of a health insurance brokerage service. Thanks for your article.

  14. Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share. Many thanks!

  15. F*ckin? amazing issues here. I am very happy to see your article. Thanks a lot and i am taking a look forward to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?

  16. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I?m going to watch out for brussels. I?ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  17. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable info to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

  18. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

  19. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful information specially the closing part 🙂 I deal with such information much. I was looking for this certain information for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  20. magnificent points altogether, you simply gained a brand new reader. What would you recommend about your post that you made some days ago? Any positive?

  21. Great blog here! Also your site loads up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  22. The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  23. Great blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  24. Thanks for your posting. One other thing is when you are selling your property by yourself, one of the challenges you need to be conscious of upfront is when to deal with house inspection accounts. As a FSBO owner, the key to successfully switching your property plus saving money with real estate agent commissions is know-how. The more you already know, the simpler your home sales effort might be. One area that this is particularly important is inspection reports.

  25. In accordance with my research, after a in foreclosure process home is sold at a bidding, it is common for that borrower to be able to still have some sort ofthat remaining unpaid debt on the loan. There are many loan companies who try and have all rates and liens cleared by the up coming buyer. Nonetheless, depending on selected programs, rules, and state regulations there may be a few loans which are not easily fixed through the switch of lending products. Therefore, the responsibility still remains on the lender that has acquired his or her property in foreclosure. Many thanks for sharing your notions on this site.

  26. What i do not understood is actually how you are not actually much more well-liked than you might be now. You’re so intelligent. You realize thus significantly relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs nice. Always maintain it up!

  27. Hello There. I discovered your blog using msn. That is a really neatly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I?ll definitely comeback.

  28. Hi! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when viewing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share. Cheers!

  29. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and may come back in the foreseeable future. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great posts, have a nice day!

  30. Thank you for another great post. Where else could anyone get that kind of info in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.

  31. Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people think about worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  32. Hey there! I’ve been following your web site for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from New Caney Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the great work!

  33. After I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I receive four emails with the same comment. Is there a way you are able to remove me from that service? Appreciate it.

  34. After I originally left a comment I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thank you.

  35. Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to generate a great article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.

  36. May I simply say what a relief to uncover someone that really knows what they are talking about online. You certainly know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people must check this out and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you are not more popular because you certainly possess the gift.

  37. Hola! I’ve been following your weblog for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Houston Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the excellent job!

  38. Thanks for another informative web site. Where else could I get that type of information written in such an ideal way? I have a project that I am just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.

  39. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something informative to read?

  40. Once I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the identical comment. Is there any approach you’ll be able to remove me from that service? Thanks!

  41. Thx for your post. I’d really like to say that the cost of car insurance differs a lot from one insurance plan to another, given that there are so many different facets which contribute to the overall cost. Such as, the make and model of the motor vehicle will have a large bearing on the fee. A reliable older family auto will have a less expensive premium compared to a flashy sports car.

  42. I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one these days..

  43. Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the issue resolved soon. Cheers

  44. Spot on with this write-up, I truly suppose this website needs rather more consideration. I?ll in all probability be once more to read rather more, thanks for that info.

  45. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I certainly loved every bit of it. I’ve got you bookmarked to check out new things you post…

Leave A Reply