An Afternoon with Judy Nyquist

Blaffer’s interns got a special treat recently when they were welcomed for a personal home tour by Blaffer advisory board member and art collector, Judy Nyquist. Blaffer’s summer interns are advanced undergrads with varied interests within the field: Joe Gracely (NYU, art history and journalism), Ryan Hernandez (UH, arts education and art history), Catherine Krause (UH, art history), Jennifer Wang (Boston University, marketing with an art history minor) and Sharon Woods-Morgan (UH, arts education). Interns discovered a house filled with exciting contemporary art pieces. Judy’s home is a bright, modern, warm space—everything, including the furniture, seems to be carefully chosen and precisely placed. During our time together, Judy spoke of her extensive travels, telling the interns of the many years she spent in England before settling her family in Houston. Those travels are especially reflected in her brilliant collection of drawings on paper.

Judy said that hers is a livable collection; she would never want it to feel like a museum. She told the interns that when adding to the collection, she thinks about filling her home with things that she enjoys—that bring her joy. Much of Judy’s current passion for contemporary art is rooted in Houston-based artists, and many local artists are represented in her home. During the tour she urged interns to advocate for Houston’s art scene, saying the city doesn’t get the credit it deserves.

The interns thank Judy for all of her thoughtful insights and take her message to heart. To use her words, “There are many wonderful things happening in Houston.”