Arts Alive San Antonio

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor

Before accepting the new position, McLendon was the director and chief curator at the Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia. He will assume his leadership duties at the McNay on Feb. 13, 2023. In the press release, McNay’s search committee co-chair, Darryl Byrd, expressed confidence in the choice. “Matthew stood out from numerous, highly-qualified candidates as someone with a unique combination of business acumen, arts expertise, infectious positive energy and a true love for the integral role art museums play in the communities they serve.”

We spoke with McLendon on Dec. 20.

Why did you want this job at the McNay?
I’ve known about the McNay for a long time. The core collection, which is late 19th century-early 20th century European modernism, very much speaks to my background as an art historian. That’s my great passion in the history of art. The other real draw was the recent programming at the museum which has attracted regional and national attention, reflecting the museum’s deep commitment to becoming a place of belonging for San Antonians. All of that resonates with my history as a museum professional.

I fell in love with San Antonio, as well, and I am excited to become part of the community and learn about its history and the present, and how the museum fits into all of that.

Have you ever visited the McNay before? 
I did visit once before when I was participating in the Association of Art Museum Directors Conference in San Antonio several years ago. That was my first time in San Antonio. We were here for several days and the McNay hosted a wonderful dinner for everyone. I had a wonderful time that night, enjoyed exploring the collection a little bit. The experience gave me a very positive memory of the McNay and of San Antonio as a warm, friendly city.

 Then I came back here twice during this search process. I had the opportunity to see the museum on my own. One of the things that I really loved seeing was all the people in the galleries. Everyone looked very comfortable being at the McNay. I saw young people on dates, people who seemed to be meeting up at the museum after church, people having their pictures taken… There was a friendly vibe in the place. I saw a museum that was truly part of the community.

In addition to seeing people enjoying the museum, what impressed you the most about the NcNay in terms of programming and collections?
One of the things that I enjoyed learning about during this process was the Tobin Theater Arts Collection. In my youth, I started a career in music and the performing arts. The performing arts are still very near and dear to my heart, as well. I also saw and loved the Susan Hilferty’s costume exhibit.                             That exhibition would have meant a lot to me as young performer, and that’s probably true of young performers today who have a chance to see it. For me, the work of the McNay seemed to align with the work I did in my past career.

Is contemporary art your main focus of interest?
Yes, my main focus has been working with living artists. You get to see the world through their eyes. You get to see what they are noticing in the world. Often times, it may be something that you may have passed over. Also, working with living artists is a way to build a bridge between the museum and the community.

In terms of expanding and enriching the permanent collections, what would be your goals?
The permanent collection is the core, the beating heart of a museum. And the McNay has such a wonderful permanent collection, starting from Mrs. McNay’s collection, and all the efforts since then to continue building the collection. We’ll absolutely focus on building the permanent collection further, expanding the perspectives and voices within the collection.

Speaking about the historical collection, where do you think there’s a need to enhance and build up?
I need to spend some time really learning the collection before deciding on that. The collection is large and very diverse. My first months at the McNay will be about listening and learning, and hearing and consulting with the McNay team.

We assume you have met with the departing director, Richard Aste. Any advice from him?
Richard and I have known each other professionally for years. I admire the work that he has done at the McNay. He is leaving a great legacy.

What do you consider your most important accomplishment so far?
That’s another deep question! … I think that in all of my museum work, what I have focused on is increasing visibility within the galleries for voices that historically might have been overlooked or not included. I know from my own life how important visibility is. It is the vital foundation for building authentic relationships with the community that you serve. What I am most proud of is how I added to the collection (at the Fralin) to help diversify the perspectives included in it. I am also proud of the relationship I built with artists, emerging and mid-career artists. Those two groups frequently have a difficult time finding institutional support.

You are also credited with increasing financial support during your tenure at the Fralin. What was your strategy?
When I got to the Fralin, I realized that none of the positions were endowed. Building endowments is one of the most important ways to ensure that your institution is not just happy today, but long into the future.

In addition to exhibits, museums offer a range of complementary programs.
I actually started out as a museum educator, and I am absolutely committed to programmatic work. These programs are vital for bridge-building between the community and the museum. One thing that is interesting about San Antonio is the large concentration of institutions of higher education – all the colleges and universities!  I will be interested in looking for opportunities to serve that community and also to partner with our colleges and universities to nurture the next generation of museum goers.

Do you know any San Antonio artists?
No, so that’s one of the other things that I look forward to – meeting local artists.

But first thing first: have you found a house in San Antonio?
Not yet (laughs)