Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Wilkinson
Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have had an interest in the arts my entire life. Many days have been spent visiting cultural facilities, as well as participating in music events, history symposiums, cowboy poetry gatherings, and more. I often perform with my father as a singer and have been on several of his albums, with the first being when I was only 14 years old.
My family couldn’t take a trip without stopping at historical markers to see what event happened on this road we were driving down. Exposure to experiences like these have enriched my life and given me a passion for learning. Because of this, I have always wanted to make sure others are exposed to enriching arts opportunities. This has led me to a career focused on the arts, although the method has changed based on where I was working. I was able to create educational and hands-on history-based programs during my time as Manager of Education for Texas Tech University’s National Ranching Heritage Center, to show students the fun of science through my time at the Science Spectrum hands-on science museum, and now to be a part of providing students and the community access to art in their everyday lives through my work as the Executive Director of Public Art for the Texas Tech University System.
I have received all of my degrees from Texas Tech University. I received a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, Master of Arts in Museum Science, and Master of Education in Elementary Education. I have also recently completed my Ph.D. in Higher Education with a focus on how public art can provide a sense of belonging for our students.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I feel like my journey had challenges, but nothing that I couldn’t overcome. Funding my higher education degrees was one challenge for me. As the child of an artist, there wasn’t a college fund for me, so I had to rely on grants and loans to fund my way through all of my higher education. Luckily my years working in non-profits and for state entities have helped to lessen my debt from school. My Ph.D. was the biggest struggle to complete as I was already employed full-time and am a mother to two young children. I have always had a passion for life-long learning and have to remind myself of that when I have struggles. To keep going one step at a time until I finished.
In my career, I have been very fortunate to find jobs related to the field that I love. Many who go into museum work may have difficulties finding a job that they love, but I have had the opportunity to work in many different types of arts organizations where I have had the chance to learn about different types of museums, as well as the public art field.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As mentioned earlier, I am the Executive Director of Public Art for the Texas Tech University System. Public art is just as it says – art that is available to the public. It can be a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and colors. It can be three-dimensional sculpture, or come in other forms such as mosaics, landscaping, and digital work. The ideas expressed in public art should challenge, question, and open up a space for discussion on new and better futures for all in the community.
The Public Art Program at the Texas Tech University System was initiated by their Board of Regents in 1998 to enrich the campus environments and extend the educational mission at all of its universities. Through the program, public artworks are funded using one percent of the estimated total cost of each major capital project. Since then, over 200 items created by some of today’s leading artists have been added to the TTU System’s multiple campuses across Texas. Art in our collection can be found in Lubbock, Amarillo, Odessa, Abilene, San Angelo, Wichita Falls, and El Paso.
The collection is thoughtfully curated by a panel of faculty, staff, community members, and artists. Almost all pieces are site-specific commissions, selected to reflect the spirit of the building where the piece is located. The collection is firmly rooted in the cultures of all campuses in the Texas Tech University System and new important works are added regularly, both through original commissions and donations.
The TTUS Public Art Collection is frequently cited as one of the top 10 public art collections in the nation, by publications like Public Art Review and Fodor’s Travel. I believe we have a great process for selecting artists to create works for each of our projects that allows the voice of the department where the piece is going to shine through, but also includes a great collaboration with the artist to ensure their input is featured as well.
I enjoy working in public art and particularly on a higher education campus. I feel like that is a very different environment from art that is seen around cities or airports. Public art on a higher education campus creates a unique environment for students. It is something we think about carefully to ensure their time as a student is enhanced by the public art.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My family is most important to me. They support me and help give me purpose. It is why I go to work every day to help create a world where art is valued and accessible to all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ttuspublicart.com/
- Instagram: @ttuspublicart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTUSPublicArt
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-wilkinson-phd-8b774510/
- Twitter: https://x.com/TTUSPublicArt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5VbUHsNwTErHWr5AhFUFPRGfV2NZK42x
