Since putting down roots in Houston over 17 years ago, Judy and Scott Nyquist have had a major impact on the arts in Houston through their philanthropy and collecting. Arriving with three young children and a passionate interest in the visual and performing arts, they immediately engaged in the local environment of arts institutions and local artists, discovering—much to their surprise and delight—a burgeoning community. The Nyquists believe that the transformative power of art has the ability to expand understanding, communication, expression and tolerance between generations, ethnic groups and socioeconomic divides. Together, through longstanding board work and support, they have strengthened more than two dozen arts organizations in Houston, as well as supported many of Houston’s cultural, historic and educational institutions.
Scott Nyquist is a director at McKinsey & Company. He holds a BS in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Harvard Business School. His community involvement includes board membership with the Houston Symphony, the Greater Houston Partnership, Rice University’s Jones School Council of Overseers, and University of Houston Energy Advisory Board.
Judy Nyquist’s primary philanthropic activities have focused on emerging artists, arts education and public art, particularly in green spaces. She has served on the Boards and committees of the Contemporary Arts Museum, the Menil Collection, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Glassell School of Art, the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Rice University’s Public Art Program, the Blaffer Gallery, the Asia Society, Hope Stone Dance, Glasstire, the Houston Arts Alliance, The Houston Seminar, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Hermann Park Conservancy, and Discovery Green. Her role in these organizations have been aimed at bolstering education, exposure and availability to wide audiences. An art historian and curator, Judy received her BA from University of Michigan and her MA from Northwestern University.
The Nyquists view arts education and exposure to the arts as important elements in the fabric of society. They agree that their lives are infinitely richer by having had the privilege and opportunity to invest in the vitality and creativity of Houston.