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Fowler curatorial specialist Haley L. Jones will shed light on the collection of Jay T. Last (1929–2021), a pioneering physicist and dedicated lover of African art. Along with his wife, Deborah, Last supported the Fowler Museum from its earliest years and donated hundreds of works to the museum. Drawing on her research on African art markets, Jones will consider how Last’s approach to collecting reflects broader histories of African art reception. She will also share insights into the Fowler’s ongoing work with Last’s material, including current research and efforts to highlight these works in the galleries and online.

Haley L. Jones is a curatorial specialist at the Fowler Museum. She received her Ph.D. in art history from Emory University in 2024, working with Susan E. Gagliardi. Her research examines the role of text and image in shaping perceptions of value and authenticity in African art auction catalogues published in Europe and North America from 2000 to 2020. At the Fowler, Jones is researching the Jay T. Last collection, including his 2024 bequest of approximately 300 objects primarily from sub-Saharan Africa.