In late September 2025, members of The Block Museum of Art’s Board of Advisors traveled to New York and New Haven for two days of art-filled experiences, conversation, and connection. Led by Lisa Corrin, The Block’s Ellen Philips Katz Executive Director, the weekend offered participants a glimpse into the museum’s national network of artists, alumni, and peer institutions.
The trip began with a visit to The Frick Collection, where Corrin and Board member Susan Johnson hosted attendees for a tour of the museum’s newly renovated building. The group viewed highlights from the Frick’s collection of Old Master paintings, European sculpture, and decorative arts, experiencing the museum’s updated galleries and restored architecture.
The program officially kicked off the following morning with a private tour with artist Rashid Johnson at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Johnson spoke with the Board about his exhibition Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers, on view at the museum through January 19, 2026. Adding to the occasion, Johnson was joined by his mother, Cheryl Johnson-Odim, Co-Chair of The Block’s Board of Advisors, who shared reflections on his artistic journey and the values that shaped his career. The group was welcomed by Katherine Brinson, the Guggenheim’s Daskalopoulos Curator of Contemporary Art.
The Block Board of Advisors tour Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers with artist Rashid Johnson.
For many attendees, this moment captured the spirit of The Block’s work by bringing together artists, scholars, and museum supporters in meaningful dialogue. Raised in Evanston, Johnson has become one of the most influential contemporary artists of his generation. His work explores identity, history, and belonging through materials that reference both personal memory and shared cultural experience.
“The moment embodied how our Board helps create extraordinary opportunities for exchange and discovery,” said Corrin. “It brought together an internationally recognized artist and our Block community in a setting that celebrated art and learning.”
The experience also had special meaning for The Block. The museum holds Johnson’s Untitled (Anxious Man) (2015) in its permanent collection. This work, created with black soap and wax on white ceramic tile, has served as a touchstone for teaching, interpretation, and student research since its acquisition by gift in 2020.
While in New York, the group also visited the Hill Art Foundation to view Igshaan Adams: I’ve been here all along, I’ve been waiting. The visit included a conversation with Hill Art Foundation Executive Director Sarah Needham. The group then toured the International Center of Photography’s exhibition Edward Burtynsky: The Great Acceleration with ICP staff, discussing the artist’s long-term investigations into human impact on the environment.
The Board of Advisors later traveled to New Haven for a full day at Yale University, beginning at the Yale University Art Gallery, where they were welcomed by Museum Director Stephanie Wiles. The group met with the Head of Education and joined Yale students for guided tours and a discussion on integrating art into teaching, learning, and research. They continued to the Yale Center for British Art for a curator-led tour of William Blake: Burning Bright, followed by a visit to the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, introduced by Block Board member Kate Ezra.
The Board concluded their time together with a private collection visit at the home of a Northwestern trustee, featuring works by Light and Space artists, including those by James Turrell. The Block Museum Board of Advisors is a dedicated group of alumni, parents, and friends whose expertise and experience further the museum’s work. Their generous support has helped build the museum’s endowment and made possible many acquisitions, exhibitions, and programs. They are passionate about The Block’s teaching mission and lifelong learning about art and its potential for impact in the world.
