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.
