Amy Schultz and the Arlington Museum of Art have been in each other’s orbits for well over 15 years. When Amy worked in Community Relations at the University of Texas at Arlington, the university, museum, and all of the cultural destinations worked together on numerous community engagement initiatives.
Later, after Amy launched her own creative studio practice, Unplain Jane Studio, the AMA invited her to serve as their inaugural Artist-in-Residence. The result? It was MUMENTOUS.
After completing her residency, Amy joined the AMA’s Board of Directors. Then in 2022, she began working for the museum as a consultant, and in January 2023, Amy joined the AMA team as its Creative Director.
AMA: What do you love most about your new job at the AMA?
Amy Schultz: My new role as Creative Director for the AMA is my dream job, because I get to lead the creative vision for a place I care about, with people I care about, for a cause I care about.
AMA: Tell us about a leader in our community who inspires you.
Amy: Jim Spaniolo, my former boss at the University of Texas at Arlington. During his years as UTA President, he led with vision, tenacity, humility, incredible insight, and optimism. Plus, you could always count on him for a good (a.k.a. groan-worthy) pun or dad joke.
AMA: When you travel, what kinds of experiences or destinations do you seek out?
Amy: Art, food, film, and local culture drive my choices of travel destinations. So anywhere around the world that offers a mix of museums (large, small, and quirky), galleries, unique downtowns, heritage sites or festivals, and interesting local fare sounds great to me. Let’s go!
AMA: Outside of your work, what is one of your personal passions?
Amy: I love to write, take pictures, and travel, but I guess if I had to choose one, I’d say travel. But maybe that answer is cheating because in many ways, my writing and photography are like forms of travel because they take me to creative places that are otherwise unreachable.
AMA: When you’re out for drinks in Arlington, what is your favorite cocktail or hot beverage and where is your favorite spot to order it?
Amy: Above all I like to try new places, so my favorite thing is to meet friends at a place they’ve suggested!
AMA: When you think about a bright future for the museum, what one thing do you think will contribute most to its long-term success?
Amy: Great artists are innovators by nature because they take risks and draw inspiration from their community. I think one of the greatest contributors to the AMA’s future successes will be its willingness to think like an artist and not like an institution.
AMA: What’s your Texas Rangers walk-on song?
Amy: It’s a toss up between The Kink’s All Day and All of the Night or Que Onda Guero by Beck.
