5 Questions for Carole Damian '64
The Quarterly asks Damian about her Wheaton experience.
What led you to pursue a major in art history?
"Actually, I wanted to be a doctor like my father, so I started as a chemistry major, but my father discouraged me and suggested a tour of Europe to see art. He was a very cultured man and loved art and music. I fell in love with art on that trip and came back to take art courses. One class with Mary Heuser and I never looked back. She was my mentor."
How has your Wheaton education helped you?
"At Wheaton, I learned the value of a strong intellectual environment and how to build self-confidence. It was fun, but it was challenging. I certainly value the fact that we were so close to Boston and those train trips to see philharmonic rehearsals, museums, ballet and theater-all at student prices. It was a wonderful environment-just close enough to be important and accessible, but we could study away from distractions the rest of the week. I also never had any regrets about being in an all-girls' school-it made dates and other activities more fun. We really looked forward to things, but were never defending our time to study. I think the guys respected this as well. I know my Harvard husband did-I met him on one of those weekend 'mixer' events."
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
"My work is always challenging-demanding intellectually and socially. It's very complex to open a new museum in the bureaucracy of a state university. Today the challenge is the budget. How can I plan exhibits with limited funds? I have to really be creative to fill the spaces."
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
"This job as director of a huge new museum is my biggest accomplishment-after earning a Ph.D. at age 50!"
What advice would you offer others interested in your line of work?
"In the arts, you can really work your way through all the different jobs, but education, internships, even volunteering will get you in the door. Then you realize that an advanced degree is necessary, whether in art history or museum studies. And starting out in college, I would start with
art, not chemistry!"
