Already the last week of June and so much yet to do this summer! Responsibilities at UT Southwestern Medical Center have included walking to many of the huge buildings on the four (yes, there are four!) campuses to record information about art in place. Thank goodness there is a shuttle that rotates among the North Campus, South Campus, East and West Campuses. My supervisor and I work together to input the artist, title, date, media, dimensions, location, and a current photographic image. Then we return to the office to complete any research needed for particular pieces. Although it sounds tedious, it has been very exciting to see all of the prints (lithographs, aquatints, etchings, monoprints -- I'm learning quite a bit about recognizing the difference in techniques by simply seeing the art), paintings, drawings and more that are tucked away in patient rooms, offices, and corridors. Thousands of dollars worth of art is displayed where many people never have the opportunity to enter. One kind office manager suggested that if someone wanted to see the collection on the 8th floor, they would need to make an appointment with an allergist or an arthritis specialist!
One day, a trip to the storage was necessary for selection of art that will be traded for pieces that need repair or deaccessioning -- an exhilarating opportunity for learning about Kachina dolls, cut paper works, and lots of paintings and prints. Hopefully, there will be time to develop the adult and community programming for the collection as this is one of the goals for my internship. There are still approximately 1000 pieces of art to catalog, including some amazing textiles from around the world.
As I mentioned in my last post, there have been continuing contacts with the Frisco Art Gallery as well. (One of my paintings will be displayed in the July exhibition!) There have been events such as receptions, tours for children, and art fairs. So many memories and so much fun still to be had!
I've enjoyed reading your posts and am so excited for all of us,
Linda East
This is so interesting! It has made me think about all the places that have or need art that are not traditionally thought of as museums. It would be so interesting to choose works for hospitals, airports, hotels, and public parks. Keep up the good work, Linda! And how exciting that your work will be featured at the Frisco Art Gallery!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Linda, on your painting being shown at Frisco Arts! That is very exciting!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear of your discoveries at UT Southwestern. It really sounds like just the sort of internship you were looking for in order to hone your skills in working with collections. Trips to storage are the best - it is like a treasure trove! I am so glad to know that you are making great memories in both of these places, Linda.
I'm super jealous to hear about your behind-the-scenes access! I thought I was cool for being allowed in the basement here at the DMA, but it sounds like you're really able to see and experience everything. I hope it continues to go well as the summer flies by!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool, Linda! It's interesting to hear about your experience. I feel like a lot of us don't get the opportunity to gain collections and registration experience. Good luck cataloging the remaining pieces!
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