“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.

"Each stone was lovingly picked by me. I was able to prove to myself that one woman can do it if the talent was great enough and the willingness to work hard was strong enough. My all has been given to this venture: my strength, my health, and the little money I had. The collection, the building, the library, and the museum were created without any outside help. I have not expected any rewards other than realizing my one ambition—to house a permanent building for my books and a replica, as near as possible, of a Tibetan chanting hall with golden altars, deities, and religious implements. This is to provide a cultural benefit for those in the Western world seeking a better understanding of our oriental brothers, their origin, and their philosophy."