Chantal Drake was destined to work for the Birmingham Museum of Art. After all, it was at the BMA that her love for museums was born. Thanks to hard work and a little luck, Chantal became the new James Milton and Sallie R. Johnson Deputy Director at the Birmingham Museum of Art earlier this year.
Previously serving as the Director of Development and Communications at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens in Memphis, TN, Chantal is no stranger to holding a prestigious title at a beloved city landmark. Additionally, the Huntsville, AL, native has a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a master’s degree in art history, with a Museum Studies Certification from the University of Memphis. She knows her stuff!
We chatted with Chantal about her new role and all of the work the BMA is doing to continue to live up to its mantra: “Art Free for All.” Meet our newest FACE of Birmingham, Chantal Drake!
Meet our newest FACE of Birmingham, Chantal Drake, the latest James Milton and Sallie R. Johnson Deputy Director at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
You mentioned that your love for museums began at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Tell us more.
I was a latecomer to the museum world. My family didn’t really go to museums when I was younger — occasionally, history museums or science museums on vacation, but never really art museums. Moving to Birmingham for college, the Birmingham Museum of Art was so close to campus that I would visit it quite often.
What had the most impact on me was a Kerry James Marshall exhibition. I went on a tour as part of a class I was taking, and that was it for me. I was introduced to Kerry James Marshall’s work for the first time, but beyond that, I thought, If museums can make me feel this way, learn this way, and have this much of an impact on how I see history, culture, and all the things, I want to be a part of helping others feel this way too. I changed my major to art history that semester.
What did you learn at the Dixon that helps you in your new Birmingham Museum of Art role?
I still have so much to learn about how my experience at the Dixon and the Birmingham museum’s needs align, but what I can say is that having a genuine interest in learning about the museum’s supporters, co-workers, the institution’s history, and the city is something I found valuable in my role at the Dixon. I think it served me well and would serve most people moving to a new job or city.
What are some ways the Birmingham Museum of Art is striving to strengthen its ties with the community?
The Birmingham Museum of Art creates programs in schools across Birmingham City Schools as well as Jefferson County … We’re developing videos that help our educators teach art education standards. We lead community programs with Birmingham Public Libraries and partner with organizations such as Better Basics and Girls Inc., and we’ve launched a digital educational site — Culture Bridge. It launched during the pandemic, but it’s ongoing and aligns the core curriculum standards and activities to our collection. Of course, there are other ways, but I think the most impactful things we’re doing are coming through the outreach and public programs at the museum.
Chantal’s love for art museums was born at the Birmingham Museum of Art when she was a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
What are some things the museum has in the works to make art more accessible and inclusive?
We’re currently working on a strategic plan to support initiatives regarding inclusive collecting practices, which have been a priority for the museum for years. It’s a plan to collect more artists of color, more women artists, and more trans and gay artists. Having those works represented in our collection is important; they’ve been working on that for some time.
The learning and engagement team consistently creates programs that increase access to art in meaningful ways for all ages. We offer tours for visitors with low or no vision. And we commissioned a special touch sculpture in our Smartlab for visitors that learn through touch. We also offer glasses for visitors with color blindness and provide sensory bags for visitors with sensory processing needs.
And, I think the museum being free eliminates so many barriers for anyone who has the interest but not the resources. I wouldn’t have been able to visit as much as I did in college without it being free.
What’s coming up at the museum that you’re excited about?
Anytime I tell someone where I’m working, they mention Art on the Rocks, so I’m excited to see that event in person. It should be even bigger and better this year. And just continuing the work being done around the strategic plan, building bridges with city leadership, and reopening a new and improved café! That’s happening this year. We hope to have it open in late summer.
Other than the Museum, what are some of your favorite things about Birmingham?
Other than [its proximity] to home and Atlanta (where some of my favorite people are), I really like how much of a food town it’s become. I’m excited to eat at some of the new restaurants.
I can’t wait to watch a basketball game. I’m a Memphis Tigers basketball fan through and through, but I’m glad to be back in Birmingham and be able to watch the Blazers and the new team — Squadron.
I know it will be nice to be more involved with the UAB alumni society, so that’s also something I’m looking forward to. Because of all the changes over the past decade, I feel like I’m experiencing the city for the first time.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like to be active. Working out has been a saving grace for me mentally, emotionally, and physically.
I love to watch old movies. I like classic movies, and I’m talking about movies from the 40s to the 60s.
I love meeting people. I love eating. I love live music. I love experiences. Understanding a city or someone better through spending time with them is always good.
Chantal loves working out and watching classic movies when she’s not working. She’s also eager to explore Birmingham. “Because of all of the changes over the past decade, I feel like I’m experiencing the city for the first time,” she says.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t worry about being the smartest or the most interesting person in the room. Be the most interested person in the room. Someone will remember you for the attention and the time you spent asking questions and being thoughtful when everyone else is trying to get the attention and speaking to stand out.
Name three things you can’t live without.
My reusable water bottle, a good playlist, and snacks.
Thank you, Chantal! All photography by Erin Croxton for the Birmingham Museum of Art.
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