Nancy Weekly Marks 40 Year Work Anniversary
Wednesday, Sep 8, 2021
An instrumental career journey helping make the Burchfield Penney what it is today
The year is 1981. The art world is a place of new perspectives in painting, photography, graffiti, and sculpture. Neo-Expressionism, a diverse art movement chiefly of painters, dominates the art market in Europe and the United States. Buffalo State College alumni artists Cindy Sherman and Robert Longo gain prominence in the ‘Pictures Generation,’ known for their critical analysis of media culture. And ultimately, on September 1st, Nancy Weekly starts a new position as registrar/archivist at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, then called the Burchfield Center under the executive leadership of the late Dr. Edna M. Lindemann.
Today we salute the Burchfield Scholar, Head of Collections, and Charles Cary Rumsey Curator celebrating 40 years with the museum. Weekly has now surpassed Dr. Lindemann, earning distinction as longest serving employee ever. “Edna’s career span was 1966 - 1985, so I have her beat by a mile,” laughs Weekly.
In addition to four decades in the workplace, she has taught at State University of New York colleges and university center, and for the past 12 years has served as the Burchfield Penney Instructor of Museum Studies for the Department of History and Social Studies Education at SUNY Buffalo State. “Teaching has been a rewarding parallel experience,” beams Weekly. “So many talented graduates have become successful museum professionals.”
She has organized exhibitions and produced publications on art and architectural subjects, with a specialization in Western New York artists, including Ani Hoover, Jackie Felix, Janelle Lynch, Robert Blair, John E. Brent, Milton Rogovin, Charles Cary Rumsey, and Bill Stewart.
Recognized as the world’s leading authority on Burchfield and organizing nationally touring exhibitions of his work, Weekly is contacted by major international auction houses and galleries for expertise, including Bonham’s, Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Swann Auction Galleries.
Additionally, she receives inquiries from prestigious museums, collectors and, at times, fields some odd calls about Burchfield. Which call ranks as the most bizarre? “A woman in Ohio had a dark landscape painting in which she saw faces, animals, and satanic imagery,” remembers Weekly. “She sent images, and even traveled to the museum unannounced to show them to me. It was entirely unlike anything Burchfield ever produced, so I hoped that once she visited and saw Burchfield’s work that she might see the difference; she didn’t.”
“Nancy has achieved a milestone in a career of milestones. Her work and dedication to Charles E. Burchfield and the museum enriches us all,” said Scott Propeack, Burchfield Penney acting director. “She helps us better understand not just artists, but ourselves. My hope is that people will celebrate, congratulate, and honor Nancy throughout Buffalo State College’s year-long 150th anniversary celebration.” Email Nancy Happy Anniversary messages here.