Alum, former White House curator will discuss art from Kennedy to Bush eras White House Curator Emerita Betty Monkman, from Washington, D.C., will give the Elaine McKenzie Memorial Lecture at the North Dakota Museum of Art Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Monkman, in her lecture, "40 Years of Art at the White House: From Jacqueline Kennedy to Laura Bush," will present over 80 images and speak about the beginnings of the White House collection, how the collection has evolved, and provide insights about the personal tastes and collecting habits of past presidents and first ladies. “The objects in the house resonate with meaning, imparting inspiration and a glimpse into past presidential lives and significant White House events for each new family,” says Monkman. Monkman earned her bachelor’s degree in history from UND in 1964. The Souris, N.D., native, worked in the White House curator’s office starting in 1967, first as museum registrar, then associate curator, and in 1997 became curator. She planned and curated the first exhibition on the White House in 1992 and worked closely on other exhibits at the White House Visitor Center. She has written a number of articles on the White House decorative arts and has lectured throughout the country. Monkman is currently on the Foundation Board of the North Dakota Museum of Art. In 1990 she returned to campus to speak at the Hultberg Lectureship, an annual event that brings accomplished women graduates back to campus as role models for leadership and career achievements. The North Dakota Museum of Art is located on Centennial Drive on the UND campus. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. The Museum Café is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays with lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information please call 777-4195. -- Brian Lofthus, Assistant to the Director, North Dakota Museum of Art, blofthus@ndmoa.com, 701 777-4195