Welcome to WAM Updates

WAM Updates are short, informal posts that put the spotlight on small, but exciting, Museum-related projects, such as the addition of a new painting or sculpture to a gallery. They also serve as updates on staff, new services or programs, and other WAM news.

We hope you like reading the Updates! If you are interested in learning about something specific, or have a suggestion for a WAM Update, please update us at wamupdates@worcesterart.org

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Ask A Curator Day: WAM Answers

Did you miss Ask a Curator Day on Wednesday, September 16?
Here are a few of our favorite questions and answers!

Q: Who is curating the contemporary collection at WAM? (@jfatimamartins1)
Jon L. Seydl, Director of Curatorial Affairs and Curator of European Art: The search is about to launch in a few weeks -- we can't wait! Keep your eyes on our website!

Q: What incredible objects in your collection do you wish you had time to research and know more about? (@mkenner2)
Jeffrey L. Forgeng, Curator of Arms & Armor and Medieval Art: This one still mystifies me, lmk if you have any leads!



Probably Balkan or Caucasian, Ceremonial Saber, possible 18th century, pattern-welded steel, bronze, and gold, The John Woodman Higgens Armory Collection, 2014.25

Q: Do you feel that seascapes or landscapes played a bigger role in early American art? (@Chris_AB16)
Justin M. Brown, Curatorial Assistant in American Art: The American landscape has long held greater appeal as a source of national pride and identity.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? What makes you excited to go to work? (@DurhamCurator)
Katrina Stacy, Associate Curator of Education: The "aha moments" of all shapes + sizes remind us why we do what we do. Our work is full of joy.

Q: Where do you find ideas for the next exhibition? What is your inspiration? (@dora_post)
Nancy K. Burns, Assistant Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs: Opening boxes in storage. The art is always the primary source.


 Q: What is your next big exhibition? (@angelaking3)
JLS: It's Hassan Hajjaj: My Rock Stars, opening in a few weeks where Samurai! was!

Q: What is the best thing you have done as a curator? (@BaysideScience6)
JLF: Passed on the flame! I loved museums as a kid.

Q: What is the most fascinating piece you have worked on, and where did it originate? (@WAHSlib)
JMB: A precious 18th-c. polychrome sculpture by Quito School artist Caspicara.



Caspicara, Ecuadorian, 1723-1796, Christ Child, late 18th century, polychromed wood, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Borje F. Jalar, 1963.151

Q: As a recent grad, I’m really struggling. How did you break into the job market? (@ItsEvolkYo)
KS: Interning, networking, maintaining those connections, staying passionate!

Q: My five year old wants to know “how did you become a curator?” (@weeheartart)
JLF: I wasn't looking for it, it found me while I was busy doing my best at things I cared about.

Q: Any examples of a plain looking or everyday object with an extraordinary or exciting backstory? (@A_Kabaker)
JMB: This desk was once owned by the first superintendent of the Worcester Lunatic Asylum.



American, Desk, about 1786-1770, mahogany, Gift of Dr. Samuel B. Woodward, 1933.1

Q: When you visit another museum, what's the first thing you look for? (@HistoryCenter)
NKB: What is the relationship between didactics and art? Lighting. Are the relationships between works successful?

Q: What has been your most important learning experience? (@kesiatk)
JLS: There are always more deserving projects than time or money.

Q: How do you respond to people who say they can have a museum experience remotely? (@QuickTapSurvey)
KS: Distance learning serves important roles, but there's no replacement for primary source objects.

Q: What are you most excited about/interested to see in the next 5 years in museums or your museum? (@ESLCunningham)
JLS: Creatively and thoughtfully rethinking our installations at WAM.

Recent WAM Updates