How she came to work for the museum:

Grace’s journey to the Briscoe started long before the museum’s opening in 2013. Prior to joining the team, Grace had served as the Executive Assistant to Jack Downey at the Children’s Shelter. During that time, Downey regularly attended the Night of Artists event, an annual tradition that was closely linked to the museum’s future.

When the Briscoe Museum was in its infancy, Downey was approached by the Board to take on the role of Executive Director. At the time, Grace had been working elsewhere but was laid off unexpectedly. She immediately reached out to Downey to share the news. He responded with an offer to meet and sign the paperwork to bring her on board. Grace, however, was committed to attending her daughter’s college graduation and couldn’t meet right away. True to Grace’s commitment, she honored her family’s milestone before joining the museum. And from that moment, the rest was history.

Favorite work of art in the collection:

With so many remarkable pieces within the Briscoe’s collection, it’s hard to choose a favorite. However, one piece stands out to Grace: the Alamo diorama. This intricate, evocative work has left a lasting impression on her, symbolizing the deep historical connection and the significance of the West that is at the core of the Briscoe’s mission.

Best Briscoe memory:

Grace’s most cherished Briscoe memory comes from the museum’s early days. “My best Briscoe memory is when we had our first student tour and hearing the children in the museum,” she shares. “It was such a milestone to see the museum come to life and to witness young people experiencing the art and history in such an intimate way. I am so proud to be a part of the team that helped make that happen.”

Beyond the student tours, Grace takes immense pride in the museum’s evolution—from its early planning stages to the established institution it is today. “I’m proud to have been an integral part of developing the processes that helped bring the Briscoe to fruition.”

Significant moments:

One of the most significant moments in Briscoe history occurred in 2013 when the museum hosted its first Night of Artists event in the Jack Guenther Pavilion. This event took place several months before the museum’s official opening in October 2013, marking a milestone in the Briscoe’s establishment. Before the museum had its own venue, the Night of Artists took place in the University of the Incarnate Word’s Sky Room, and the Luck of the Draw sale was held on the same weekend. Guests would purchase artwork, and artists would retrieve any unsold works. The event eventually evolved into the six-week exhibition that it is today, but Grace remembers those early years fondly.

Throughout her tenure, Grace has had the honor and privilege of working alongside the Briscoe’s four founding members: Jack Guenther, Dr. Bruce Watson, Walter Montford, and Governor Dolph Briscoe. Their vision, leadership, and commitment were instrumental in the creation of the museum, and Grace’s contributions have been key to helping fulfill that vision.