Alexandra Irvine, the new director of the Dishman Art Museum, poses in the Eisenstadt Collection gallery. UP photo by Regina Ruiz
For Alexandra Irvine, stepping into the role of director of the Dishman Art Museum is both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming.
With more than three decades of experience in museum administration, Irvine said returning to her hometown to lead Lamar University’s gallery feels like the natural culmination of her career.
“I grew up here in Beaumont, so it was a homecoming of sorts,” Irvine said. “My mother still lives here, and I’ve been involved in museum administration for the last 30-plus years. It all seemed like a good coming together of different areas of my life.”
Irvine said she originally planned to pursue a career as an artist. She began as a studio art major at the University of Texas at Austin before being encouraged by her father to consider a path that combined her artistic interests with business skills. That advice led her toward museum administration.
Her first professional experience came through an internship at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, which helped launch her career. She later transferred to the University of Houston after meeting the director of the university’s art museum, who offered her another internship opportunity.
Those early experiences helped Irvine build a career in museums that has now spanned more than 30 years.
Art and museums have been part of her life since childhood. Irvine recalls growing up across the street from the Beaumont Art Museum when it was located in the historic Wilson-Cook House, often visiting exhibitions as a child.
“That was kind of my playground,” Irvine said. “I popped into all of those exhibitions as a little kid, and I think I just became comfortable with art and with museums at a very young age.”
Now at Lamar, Irvine said what excites her most about the position is the opportunity to work closely with students, faculty and staff.
“The community, for sure,” Irvine said. “Having access to the students and staff and faculty and just that wide variety of talent to pull from.”
Looking ahead, Irvine hopes the Dishman Art Museum continues serving as a cultural resource for both the university and the broader Southeast Texas community. One of her priorities is showcasing artists from the region.
“I want it to continue to be a resource for the community and showcase the talent that we have here in Southeast Texas,” she said.
The museum plans to bring in new exhibitions beginning next fall, though Irvine said details are still being finalized. In the meantime, she hopes more Lamar students will take advantage of the museum’s free admission and welcoming atmosphere.
“We just need to get our name out there within the Lamar community,” Irvine said. “We’re not an intimidating space. We’re a very friendly space, and there’s always going to be good stuff to look at.”
Students can also get involved through internships, work-study opportunities and exhibitions such as the museum’s upcoming juried alumni exhibition, which is open to Lamar graduates from any major.
Outside of museum work, Irvine still enjoys creative projects, though she humbly describes herself as more of a crafter than an artist.
“I make collages,” Irvine said. “I don’t call myself an artist — I’m a crafter. I enjoy making costumes and putting glitter on stuff.”
For students interested in pursuing careers in museums or the arts, Irvine encourages them to seek out hands-on experience.
“Get involved with museums and art groups in town,” she said. “Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door.”
As she begins her tenure at Lamar, Irvine said she is eager to connect with the campus and local community.
“I’m just super excited to be here,” she said.