Curating Career Life Stories: How Did I Get Here? Episode 52 – An interview with Jennifer Henneman

Join me for the career story reflections of Jennifer Henneman, Associate Curator in the Petrie Institute of Western American Art at the Denver Art Museum. Not knowing what she wants to do for a career, she follows her interest in studio art and French to guide her in selecting this double major.

During her college experience she realizes that she doesn’t have a passion for what she wants to say with her art, prompting her to transition to art history — the study of art vs the creation of it. Which is also what she pursues for her master’s degree in London. Needing a break from school and still not sure what she wants to do or become, she travels the world for a year working various jobs, some in museums, some in coffee shops.

A pivotal moment is when she’s back in the UK, working a great high paying job, but still questioning “is this what I want to do for the rest of my life?” You’ll have to listen to the interview to find out how she decides on more schooling and how she ends up being an art curator in Denver.

Here’s a peek at Jennifer’s latest exhibit: Natural Forces: Winslow Homer & Frederic Remington (currently on display at the Denver Art Museum through Sept 7, 2020 — you really must go see it in person!)