As a lifelong arts enthusiast and champion of artists, self-described “arts activist” Judy Nyquist has played a pivotal role in the Houston art scene for many years, supporting countless arts organizations and green spaces. She has worked tirelessly for over two decades as a dedicated volunteer in the cultural community generally, and most commonly in the visual art space. Nyquist has served as a loyal patron, fervent supporter of local artists, performers, and significant education programs for the general public and underrepresented communities. Her passion for making art accessible and providing opportunities for artists to make a living through their craft is at the core of her activism and philanthropy.
Nyquist is an exceptionally well informed collector and patron, who has supported, and even jump started, the careers of numerous local artists. In the Nyquists’ collection, internationally known artists like Cornelia Parker, Alex Katz, Andy Warhol, Jenny Holzer, Ed Ruscha, and Adam Pendleton mingle with the works of local luminaries like Joe Havel, Dario Robleto, Jamal Cyrus, Sharon Engelstein, Francesca Fuchs, JooYoung Choi, Joyce Lin and Rachel Hecker. Nyquist is committed to collecting the work of emerging artists, and has a particular interest in contemporary craft. Her encouragement and early patronage have contributed to many of these artists’ subsequent awards and national success.
Ed Ruscha, “Standard Station, Ten-Cent Western Being Torn in Half,” 1964, 65 x 121 1/2 in., oil on canvas; © 2023
Edward Ruscha, photo by Evie Marie Bishop, courtesy of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Nyquist’s other philanthropic activities in Houston have focused on arts education, as well as public art, particularly in green spaces. Judy serves on the boards of The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Discovery Green, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Gulf Coast Journal, Arts Connect Houston, Houston Arts Alliance, the Rothko Chapel, The Houston Seminar, The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, The Astrodome Conservancy and Artadia, among others. She also serves on committees and advisory boards of the Menil Collection; The Blaffer Gallery, the the Glassell School of Art; Contemporary Arts Museum Houston the Moody Center for the Arts; Hermann Park; and Asia Society Texas Center; Her work with these organizations has been laser focused on bolstering opportunities for artists, education, exposure, and availability to wide audiences.
Nyquist graduated from The University of Michigan with a degree in Art History, and received an MA in Art History from Northwestern University. She and husband Scott have three grown children—Sarah, Jessica, and Jake—all of whom are crafters and art enthusiasts in their own right. On her dedication and deep commitment to the arts, she says, “I consider myself a ‘serial volunteer,’ and it is the greatest privilege and most fulfilling job ever.”
Nyquist imparts to Whitewall the joy of a recent acquisition and the collector’s creed she lives by: look deeply, trust your instincts, and champion the artists who move you.
Portrait courtesy of Judy Nyquist.
Alex Katz, “Red Lily 2,” 2022, 48 x 36 in., oil on linen; © Alex Katz / VAGA at Artists Rights Society, NY, photo by by David Regen, courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery.
WHITEWALL: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
JUDY NYQUIST: Just last month I acquired a charming and delightful piece by Korean-born, NYC-based artist Chang Sujung, a brilliant combination of craft and landscape painting, it is composed of a men’s shirt cuff remnant that has been lined with canvas and painted with a view of New York rooftops from the vantage point of Central Park.
Chang Sujung, “Off the Cuff,” from “Alteration”
at Laura (the gallery), Houston, TX; Courtesy of the artist.
“I acquired a charming and delightful piece by Korean-born, NYC-based artist Chang Sujung,”
Judy Nyquist
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
JN: Look, look, look..go to museums, galleries, artist spaces, art fairs and start to hone your eye. Read art magazines, and catalogs. Meet artists, and visit their studios, engage with curators and gallerists and other creatives. Trust your eye, and buy what feeds your soul.
Take some classes..art history, or appreciation or fine arts so you can understand the maker’s process. Listen to their stories and narratives and never be afraid to ask questions.
“Trust your eye, and buy what feeds your soul,”
Judy Nyquist
Collecting is an addiction, but a healthy one (except perhaps on your wallet) bringing joy and conversation to everyone. If your tastes change, deaccession. Most importantly, become a PATRON..support artists and their careers..and other creatives in the field.
Courtesy of The Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
