The Dream Manifested

 The Dream Manifested” explores how dreams take shape and what we invest in our lives to achieve our goals. It questions how much we believe in ourselves, how we commit to our aspirations, and what we are willing to compromise or sacrifice to move forward.It also examines how we discipline our lives and take consistent, intentional steps toward our goals, not letting fear or self-doubt hold us back.

This exhibition focuses on the life and dreams of Jacques Marchais Koblenz, an extraordinary woman from Cincinnati, Ohio, who moved to Staten Island in 1919. Jacques managed to be many things during her life: an actress, an entrepreneur,a wife, a mother, a gallerist, a collector, and a philanthropist.

She didn’t keep this dream just for herself but wanted to share it with the world. Most importantly, she aimed to leave something transformative for humanity. Through her life and hard work, she not only curated the first Tibetan collection in the United States but also created the first Tibetan architecture in the country that became The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art.

"If I can give the world something that would be uplifting and genuinely helpful, perhaps I should try."

Why did Marchais want to have a Tibetan collection?  She was part of a larger historical movement in the 1920s that was interested in Asian culture and religion, in particular, Buddhism. During this time, many people in industrialized nations like the U.S. were exploring new ways of spirituality. The idea of Tibet as a culture of spiritual enlightenment may have helped her pursue her dream and provided the strength to move forward.

Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art and Historic Richmond Town embark on this partnership as part of a larger effort to unite Staten Island's cultural organizations. By sharing resources and audiences, they aim to reach a broader community, foster a unified cultural front, and enhance the richness and accessibility of Staten Island's diverse heritage.