If ever there was a Renaissance woman, she would be Kendall Quirk, the Arlington Museum of Art’s Registrar and Director of Exhibitions.
When Kendall started working at the AMA (after years of volunteering) in June 2019, she said it took a little time to figure out her role in supporting all the museum’s inner workings. Questions ranged from “What do all of our secret closets hold?” to “What grants do we apply for?” to “How do I change the toilet paper?”
Now she has not only mastered the answers to these questions—and many more—but she is helping to lead the museum’s curatorial vision and long-term strategic planning.
AMA: What do you love most about the work that you do at the AMA?
Kendall Quirk: There are SO many things I love about working at the AMA, it’s hard to choose! Since I’m lucky enough to get to work on the exhibits, I’d have to say working with our partners all over the world to bring them to Arlington, then hearing the reaction and feedback from our community. We really do put so much into bringing these exhibitions to the AMA and it’s great to hear when people enjoy them.
AMA: Tell us about a leader in our community who inspires you.
Kendall: I was fortunate enough to connect with Dr. Jason Shelton before our summer 2021 exhibition, 30 Americans, and was able to show him and his family around the exhibit before it opened. Not only was that one of the highlights of that exhibit for me, but he gave an exceptional talk at the end of the exhibit as well. He’s not only a wonderful leader in our community, but is truly a fantastic person to be around.
AMA: When you travel, what kinds of experiences or destinations do you seek out?
Kendall: I’m a big fan of museums (if you couldn’t tell!), so I tend to gravitate to experiences that are art-related. I’m planning a few upcoming trips this year and really can’t wait to dive into food, culture, and people.
AMA: Outside of your work, what is one of your personal passions?
Kendall: The office staff can attest, I love to bake! I’m always trying new recipes, making tried-and-true ones, and bringing them into the office. It’s become a very therapeutic way for me to decompress after work and on the weekends.
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?
Kendall: I’ve become a big fan of the Manhattan at Hooligan’s. Nobody makes one quite as delicious! I also love going to 4 Kahunas Tiki Bar for special occasions. Their bartenders are unmatched!
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?
Kendall: The people. The volunteers, the visitors, the Board, and our broader community of supporters. Everything we do comes down to our relationship with every single person who comes through our doors.
AMA: What’s your Texas Rangers walk-on song?
Kendall: This is tough! It’s probably between Bang! by AJR or …Ready for It? by Taylor Swift.
