This class [Museum Theory and Practice Class at the Nasher Museum] showed me that as a Hispanic woman, there is a place for voices and minority perspectives not just for art in museum collections, but for people like me on curatorial teams and in museum administration.
Ally Perez, Duke Class of 2020, talking about her favorite class
GOODBYE, CHEMISTRY
If you had told me my freshman year that I would be graduating with a history degree and pursuing a career in museum work, I truly would not have believed you!
AHA MOMENT
During the fall semester of my sophomore year, I went on a tour with a class and looked at Kara Walker’s screenprints in the Nasher’s study storage. The feeling was truly awe inspiring. I am grateful for this experience for revealing to me my passion in art, museums and being able to tell the stories of those who are marginalized.
Ally's Picks!
NON-SYLLABUS READING
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sánchez
ON REPEAT
ON THE GO
I have been listening to a lot more podcasts recently. I listen to about an hour or two of content a day when I’m driving to school and walking to class. My favorite podcast is 99% Invisible, about architecture and design that we often don’t notice. A friend recommended the episode “Mexico 68 after I was raving to her about how much I loved the designs I saw in the Pop América exhibition.
REALITY CHECK
I took a trip to Washington, D.C., this summer that was incredibly inspiring. Being able to access all of the free museums on the National Mall was incredible. I had never been able to learn and see so many new things in such a small radius!
MAJOR INSPIRATION
Vienna by Billy Joel. I listened to it everyday on my way to my Nasher internship this summer.
FOODIE TOUR
Since it is my senior year, I want to finish trying all of Durham’s great restaurants before I move out of Durham after graduation! I really want to try Dashi, Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, and The Dankery!