⭐️ Meet Barbara McFaddon ⭐️

Tell us about yourself: I’m 100% committed to doing my part to make Iowa City a great place to live, work, and thrive. I’m a recent transplant from Illinois and I love Iowa City. I retired after a long career with the Big Ten Academic Alliance where I led research, academic, and administrative projects across the 14 member campuses.

What inspired you to become a Stanley docent? I grew up in rural Missouri, and a grade school trip to Kansas City to visit the Linda Hall Library and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art literally opened my eyes to a whole new world. I’d like to help others have that same awakening and enjoyment. I feel as if each artist is speaking across time to me about their experience in the world. Sometimes I understand it, and sometimes I don’t. But I love the experience and the puzzle of working out a meaning for myself, and I love sharing that with others.

What are you looking forward to in the new building? The space seems perfectly designed to highlight the treasures of the collection.  I think the building itself will enhance the whole experience and I cannot wait to get in there! I think it will provide a great welcoming campus space for everyone in the community.