Hello all,
?
I am an intern (soon to be full hire) at a small art museum and have noticed that many of our frames have significant buildups of dust on top. I have an appropriate brush and am not too concerned about dusting our glazed works, but I am unsure about unglazed. Is there anything I can do to minimize the dust kicked up while cleaning and prevent it from settling on the surfaces of works? Any advice is much appreciated.
?
Thanks,
Jake Lofaso
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Re: Radioactive collections storage
Dear Patti, A new book under the title?Conservation of Natural History
Specimens??is going to be published by?Routledge.?There are going to be chapters on minerals and rocks, and I believe that there is also going to be information on safe storage of radioactive materials. It is expected late 2025, or sometime in 2026.? Evangelia
Dr. Evangelia Kyriazi
Conservator of Stone, Fossils, Antiquities & Works of Art
Archaeometrist
On Mon, 21 Apr 2025 at 22:23, Finkle, Patti Wood via <pwf5120= [email protected]> wrote:
Hello all!
I am the curator of the Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum & Art Gallery at Penn State.? We are looking to rehouse our radioactive rock/ore/mineral specimens in appropriate lead shielded cabinets, and I was wondering if any of you also have radioactive collections.
If so, how do you house them so that it is safe for people to be in the collection storage space?. Do you have specialized cabinets or individual boxes? Have you upgraded your RAD storage recently and if so, where did you source your supplies? Any help or
advise you can provide would be fantastic!
Thanks!
Patti Wood Finkle
Curator
Earth and Minerals Sciences Museum & Art Gallery
Penn State University
She/Her/Hers
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Online Visitor Services Training
Hi everyone,
I am seeking some training for my visitor services team. Does anyone know of any effective online training programs, ideally partially tailored to museums or galleries? Has anyone worked with any professionals in the industry who you might recommend??
?
Joel Thompson
Deputy Director
Moody Center for the Arts
Rice University | Houston, Texas?
?|?@theMoodyArts
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Free Workshop: Photos That Don't Suck
Wish your social media photos looked more polished¡ªwithout hiring a pro or buying expensive gear? You¡¯re not alone¡ªand the good news is, it¡¯s easier than you think.  This free session is designed to make photography feel less intimidating and more empowering for museum professionals¡ªespecially those juggling multiple roles. You¡¯ll learn how to capture compelling images with the tools you already have and walk away with practical tips to instantly elevate your visual storytelling. Part workshop, part meetup, this event includes a mix of hands-on tips, open Q&A, and peer-to-peer sharing¡ªso come ready to swap ideas, ask questions, and connect with fellow museum staff navigating the same challenges. The session will be led by Rani Robison, founder of Neptune Sugar Marketing & Design. Rani is a visual artist, professional photographer, and experienced social media strategist who has spent over 20 years helping museums and arts organizations strengthen their brand through imagery and storytelling. Her teaching style is approachable, creative, and grounded in real-world experience. Register here: Rani ------- Rani Robison Principal & Founder Neptune Sugar Marketing & Design
(801) 505-8562
Keeping the Arts VISIBLE.
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IMLS Termination of Grants
Hello Friends,
?
Like many of your institutions, MoCP received a letter from IMLS terminating our multi-year grant as of April 8, 2025, under the
?
When I read the General Terms and Conditions on the IMLS site, I recognized right away that the language in Term 29: Terminating an IMLS Award before it's Completion had been altered from when MoCP agreed to the grant terms and conditions in September of 2023. The agency has added this language to Term 29: The Federal award may be terminated in whole or in part as follows: By IMLS, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if the award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities. For instance, following the issuance of the Federal award, if additional evidence reveals that a specific award objective is ineffective at achieving program goals, it may be in the government's interest to terminate the Federal award. Further, additional evidence may cause the Federal awarding agency to significantly question the feasibility of the intended objective of the award, such that it may be in the interest of the government to terminate the Federal award.
?
I've attached the original IMLS Gerneral Terms and Conditions for IMLS Discretionary Grant and Cooperative Agreement Awards Issued After December 21, 2020 to have on record what the terms and conditions were when museums signed IMLS grant agreements between December 21, 2020 and September 30, 2024. I am not a lawyer, but it seems to me unlawful to alter the original Terms and Conditions. In my "Termination Review" letter to IMLS, I plan take the position that the terms and conditions at the time of our award acceptance did not include the current expanded termination clause and that MoCP has remained in full compliance with the scope, reporting requirements and financial stewardship of our grant. I will, of course, also write about the negative impact this termination will have on the museum and its programs.
?
I am interested in how others impacted by IMLS grant terminations are approaching this and if there are opportunities to band together to fight.
?
Thank you,
?
Natasha?
?
Natasha Egan?
Executive Director?
Museum of Contemporary Photography?
Columbia College Chicago?
600 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
MoCP.org??
?
?
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SEMC's SWIM Competition is Open!
Greetings, AAMG listserv-
Please share this flyer and opportunity with applicable students and colleagues.
?
I am delighted to say that the call for the
annual S.W.I.M. competition is open! Here is a direct link for details and the application:
?
SEMC celebrates outstanding museum work by post-secondary students in the Southeast. Through the juried
Spotlight on Student Work in Museums (S.W.I.M.) program, we recognize research, exhibitions, oral histories, web content, and public programs created by students working in museums across the region.
?
Who Can Apply?
- Current students at any accredited college/university
- Recent grads (within one year of SEMC¡¯s 2025 meeting in October)
- Students involved in museum-based internships, practicums, or research in the SEMC region (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina,
South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands).
- Individuals and teams may apply. Group proposals must list all team members and designate a lead contact.
Note: Theoretical coursework is ineligible¡ªprojects must be museum-applied.
?
More information can be found on the web page above. The deadline is in August, but we want to catch students who are graduating this semester because they are eligible, too.
?
You are welcome to contact me anytime with questions.
-Katy Malone
SEMC Council Member
SEMC SWIM Co-Chair
AAMG Tennessee State Representative
?
?
Katy Malone
(she/ her/ hers)
Manager of Education & Community Engagement
University of Tennessee
(865) 974-2416
?
The land upon which the University of Tennessee-Knoxville is built is?part of the traditional territory of the Aniyunwiya?peoples
(now Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee Nation, and United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma), Tsoyah¨¢ peoples (Yuchi, Muscogee Nation), and Shawnee peoples (Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma,? Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and the
Shawnee Tribe).
?
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A Shelter in the Storm - The Garden: Thistle and Thorn (traveling exhibition) is available for bookings
Good Morning:
?
Non-partisan, The Garden: Thistle and Thorn is the perfect exhibition to mitigate?unprecedented stress. Inspired by nature, the sensory packed artworks promote well-being and encourage mindfulness through an immersive environment that quiets the noise of our challenging times. In much the same way that a private enclosure or garden setting creates a sheltered contemplative respite, this uplifting exhibition offers a concrete and time proven alternative to the complexity of today¡¯s discordant, divisive, and digitally mediated experience. As new research confirms, people report higher levels of health and happiness if they spend a mere 120 minutes per week in a natural setting. So inspired, The Garden: Thistle and Thorn compels you to set aside your anxiety and to put down your phone. As such, The Garden: Thistle and Thorn is a calming oasis that?can refresh your spirit and quite possibly renew your soul.
?
Perceptually tactile and expressively verdant; elemental references to light, air, water, earth, and fire are embedded in the light filled and colorful interdisciplinary works by eight artists.
During this time of heightened anxiety and uncertainty, The Garden: Thistle and Thorn offers a much-needed refuge and a heartening reprieve.
?
Bookings are currently available with a New Reduced Booking Fee.?
Reach out with your interest and/or questions.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Reni
?
?
?
?
Size of Exhibition:
Approximately 250 running feet (walls) + open areas for suspended or pedestal works.
Exhibition may be sized to suit your gallery specifications
?
Number of Works:
20 wall mounted works (7 with multiple parts) / 1 floor installation / 1 suspended work (7 parts) / 1 installation variable (50 small parts) to be installed on pedestals, shelves or in cases. 1 optional vinyl installation on glass available upon request.
* Pedestals, shelves, or cases provided by the venue. Pedestal bonnets preferred
* Condition Report with detailed installation instructions travels with exhibition
* Special installation hardware travels with exhibition
* Catalog (1) travels with exhibition
?
Additional Support Material Provided by Venue:
Signed contract, pedestals (with bonnets preferred), mailing/evite, gallery signage and labels, press material to appropriate media list, reception, installation / de-installation / repacking, security (guard/gallery attendants during the day - alarmed doors/windows at night), installation photos,?onsite insurance with transit insurance to next venue, and a non-refundable fee of $2500 (NEW REDUCED) - paid at point of booking
?
Transport:
Packed in reusable museum quality boxes or crates
Each venue to provide one-way insured shipping to the next venue
* Free shipping estimates available through ¨C
* TCI International / Contact India Crawford: india@... / 813-685-7399
* See prospectus for detailed box / crate information
* Art Handler Preferred (may require a 53' cab / truck) / May ship FedEx Ground upon approval.
* If shipped FedEx Ground using Shipper¡¯s FedEx Account # (Virginia ¨C California) +/- $1500 (6 days)
* Cost and transit time will vary ¨C dependent upon distance
?
Available on request:
High Resolution Digital Image Files / Press Packet
Gallery Talk / Panel presentation / workshops by artist(s) when funding permits
Extra Catalog / Available at venue expense through
?
Itinerary:
Piedmont Art Museum, Martinsville, VA; Aug 7 ¨C Oct 10, 2020 (Pilot)
Mattatuck Museum, Waterbury, CT: May 22 ¨C Aug 28, 2022
Ridderhof Martin Gallery, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA; Sep 7 ¨C Oct 8, 2023
Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID; Jun 15 - Aug 31, 2025 Available Fall 2025 and beyond
?
Please use the Dropbox link below for the complete prospectus.
?
? ? ??  ? ? ? ?Reni Gower2023
Virginia Commission for the Arts Fellowship Recipient - Works on Paper
2020
Pollock Krasner Foundation Grant Recipient
2017
SECAC Award for Outstanding Artistic Achievement
2014
CAA Distinguished Teaching of Art Award
Curator
/ Wylie Contemporary, Inc
Professor
Emerita /?Virginia Commonwealth University
(804) 357-5442 c
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Radioactive collections storage
Hello all!
I am the curator of the Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum & Art Gallery at Penn State. ?We are looking to rehouse our radioactive rock/ore/mineral specimens in appropriate lead shielded cabinets, and I was wondering if any of you also have radioactive collections.
If so, how do you house them so that it is safe for people to be in the collection storage space?. Do you have specialized cabinets or individual boxes? Have you upgraded your RAD storage recently and if so, where did you source your supplies? Any help or
advise you can provide would be fantastic!
Thanks!
Patti Wood Finkle
Curator
Earth and Minerals Sciences Museum & Art Gallery
Penn State University
She/Her/Hers
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Project Management in Museums
Dear Museum Professional,
I am a Museum Studies B.A. student in my final semester at the University of Tampa. I am currently working on my capstone project, which will review and analyze the state of project management practices in museums in the U.S. I would appreciate your help with
this research project by participating in the attached survey (link below).
The survey is anonymous (unless you chose to share your contact information) but AAM requires that you identify your organization in Question 11. The survey is comprised of 11 questions? and should take less than 5 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance.
Survey link:
Sincerely,
Richard O¡¯Neill
Department of Art and Design
University of Tampa
richard.oneill@...
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Job Posting - Director of Facilities Management, CSU Spur, Denver CO
Hello, all!
?
Please share this opportunity with your networks. Thank you in advance!
?
CSU Spur Director of Facilities Management Position posting:
?
?
The? is seeking a Director of Facilities Management to join the dynamic?CSU?Spur leadership team. The Director of Facilities Management (FM) works
closely with various departments at?CSU?Spur to deliver smooth campus operations and a positive experience for visitors, students, tenants, and employees. ?
?
The Spur Director of Facilities Management position is a unique opportunity for a positive, creative, and detail-oriented facilities professional to work with an integrated team to continue to advance the operations of this 3-year-old satellite campus of?CSU.
The Spur campus has a one-of-a-kind collection of amenities that include multiple types of laboratories, classrooms, a teaching kitchen, a food lab, a greenhouse, student living spaces, horse stables, a veterinary clinic, a flexible theater, and more. The
Director of FM will manage the operations of these facilities, including managing external partnerships and tenants within the buildings, working closely with IT and other departments, ensuring best-in-class management for sustainability principles including
energy and water savings and occupant health, and managing budgets and contracts to keep the Spur facilities running smoothly.?
?
The full consideration date for this position is May 5th.
?
Thank you!
?
KATHRYN VENZOR?
she/her/hers
Senior Director of Education & Visitor Engagement, CSU Spur
720-636-5186
cell
?
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We have tables on wheels that lock so they can be reconfigured depending on the group/objects/needs. They are so handy and very stable. We also have a viewing rail for objects. It is covered with a laminate
type that allows for magnets, so I can place objects on a rail and information, like make-shift labels, next to those objects. We also have a large screen that can be?attached to a laptop, which allows for materials to supplement object discussions as needed.
?
It is carpeted, which I do not love, but was inherited. Our chairs have backs, which is ok, but I would love the aforementioned stools. We need better storage for students¡¯ belongings near the room (right
now, stuff gets left in our lobby).
?
Our space is tiny and can also only fit about 10-15 folks for a viewing. It is so small, in fact, that we rarely use it for its intended purpose.
?
Katy Malone
(she/ her/ hers)
Manager of Education & Community Engagement
(865) 974-2416
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Ricardo J Reyes via groups.io
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2025 2:55 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [AAMG] Study Room Needs
?
Our study room at Lafayette College is connected to our fine arts storage. We have glass doors that allow our visitors to see the works in storage.
The room itself is an exhibition space for small collection shows. The space is booked through the gallery director and is only by permission. We do have public hours now extended?to W-F 12-4 pm. Faculty reservations and class visits take
priority.
Capacity is 20 people. Our class ratio is 1:11 so it's not an issue regarding size.
I used to keep a shelf of books and catalogs that were related to the collection, but I moved them out to have more exhibition space.
I use the room for special projects, research, and practica with students almost daily.
here's a link to the webpage
Please tell me about your gallery and museum study rooms! What are your essential supplies? Is there anything that works really well? Or not so well? What would be in your dream study room?
We are hoping to make some upgrades to our collections viewing and study space, but aren't really sure where to begin. This would be a place for students and faculty to research objects and for us to hold small lectures and workshops.?
Gallery Coordinator?
University of Pittsburgh
?
?
|
Our study room at Lafayette College is connected to our fine arts storage. We have glass doors that allow our visitors to see the works in storage.
?
The room itself is an exhibition space for small collection shows. The space is booked through the gallery director and is only by permission. We do have public hours now extended?to W-F 12-4 pm. Faculty reservations and class visits take priority.
?
Capacity is 20 people. Our class ratio is 1:11 so it's not an issue regarding size.
?
I used to keep a shelf of books and catalogs that were related to the collection, but I moved them out to have more exhibition space.
?
I use the room for special projects, research, and practica with students almost daily.
?
I hope this helps
?
here's a link to the webpage
?
?
?
?
?
?
Hello AAMG,
?
Please tell me about your gallery and museum study rooms! What are your essential supplies? Is there anything that works really well? Or not so well? What would be in your dream study room?
?
We are hoping to make some upgrades to our collections viewing and study space, but aren't really sure where to begin. This would be a place for students and faculty to research objects and for us to hold small lectures and workshops.?
?
Thanks so much,
Hannah?
?
Gallery Coordinator?
University of Pittsburgh
?
?
|
Things I love: - Stools that slide all the way under the tables I have, so that you can fully approach the table when setting up
- Large table surface that is easily cleaned
Things I like: - A large easel. I wish ours was more stable and could accommodate deeper frames
- A wall-mounted "ledge" for framed works. I would prefer metal peg board so that I could hang different sized pieces, or hang one work above another for study use
- Risers, cradles, mounts, and foam sheeting for various objects
Things I wish I had: - A larger space. Our room can accommodate?about 15 visitors, but our class sizes have grown and now nearly all classes are 20 to 25 students.?
Hello AAMG,
?
Please tell me about your gallery and museum study rooms! What are your essential supplies? Is there anything that works really well? Or not so well? What would be in your dream study room?
?
We are hoping to make some upgrades to our collections viewing and study space, but aren't really sure where to begin. This would be a place for students and faculty to research objects and for us to hold small lectures and workshops.?
?
Thanks so much,
Hannah?
?
Gallery Coordinator?
University of Pittsburgh
|
Hello AAMG,
?
Please tell me about your gallery and museum study rooms! What are your essential supplies? Is there anything that works really well? Or not so well? What would be in your dream study room?
?
We are hoping to make some upgrades to our collections viewing and study space, but aren't really sure where to begin. This would be a place for students and faculty to research objects and for us to hold small lectures and workshops.?
?
Thanks so much,
Hannah?
?
Gallery Coordinator?
University of Pittsburgh
|
AAMG 2025 is Coming Up Fast!
Don¡¯t wait¡ªAAMG 2025 is coming up fast! ?? It¡¯s never too early to lock in your spot for our Albuquerque conference (June 24-27). Early planning = less stress + more fun! ? Secure your registration now and get ready for an unforgettable experience with your museum fam.
Register for AAMG 2025 here:?
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Job Alert: Glynn Visiting Assistant Professor of Art History
**Please share with curators and academics¡ªideal for a faculty
member on sabbatical or a curator seeking professional development. This Winter 2026 visiting professorship at Washington and Lee University offers the chance to teach a course and conduct original research on the W&L Art Museums¡¯ Stanley A. Kamen Collection
of 19th¨C20th-century art and sculpture of the American West**
---
The Department of Art and Art History and Museums at Washington and Lee University invites applications for a one-term visiting assistant professor of Art History,
beginning January 1, 2026. This position entails a teaching load equivalent to three courses, including one undergraduate course, along with responsibilities for research and academic engagement during the Winter 2026 term (12 weeks). Candidates should be
prepared to teach a course in Native American art of the Great Plains and conduct interpretive research on the W&L Art Museum & Galleries¡¯??comprised of 19th and 20th-century art and sculpture depicting the American West.
The scholar will examine the full scope of the Kamen Collection and produce a comprehensive report providing new insights and contextual understanding. In addition, the scholar will identify and involve student
researchers, including members of the Native American Student Organization (NASO).
Qualifications
Candidates should hold an M.A. or Ph.D. and have demonstrated expertise in?Native?American art history, material culture, Indigenous studies, or related fields?that speaks to the Kamen Collection.
Application Instructions
For full consideration, please apply by May 20, 2025. We will begin reviewing applications on that date and will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.
Candidates should submit:
-
A letter of application summarizing research and teaching interests and experience, scholarly pursuits, and demonstrating the ability to work with students with wide ranging perspectives and backgrounds.?
-
A CV
-
Names and contact details of three professional references?
All materials should be submitted via
Interfolio at?
?
Isra El-beshir?
Director of Art Museum and Galleries
Washington and Lee University?
(540) 458 - 8767?|?ielbeshir@...
|??
204 W. Washington St. Lexington, VA 24450
?
Stay Connected:????
?
???
??
?
?
?
?
Board Member, Association of Academic Museums and Galleries. To learn more, visit ?
W&L sits on the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the Yesa and their descendants, the Monacans.?To
learn more, visit?
?
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Sharing a sample IMLS grant termination appeal letter
Dear listserv friends:
Please see the sample letter pasted inline below that I submitted today using the guidelines provided by AAM in their April 11 Advocacy Alert email.?
It is critical that you submit your appeal within 30 days of receiving your termination letter from IMLS.
Also, make sure to check your spam folder. I did not receive a termination notification via IMLS egms reach; rather, the letter was sent directly to my email address.
Best wishes to you all!
Sincerely, Craig
---------- Forwarded message --------- Subject: Request for review (i.e., appeal) of IGSM-255596-OMS-24 To: < ksonderling@...> Cc: < ogc@...> Craig Hadley
Executive Director and Chief Curator
Dennos Museum Center (DMC) at Northwestern
Michigan College (NMC, ¡°the grantee¡±)
1701 East Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49696
?
April 12, 2025
?
Mr. Keith Sonderling
Acting Director
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS,
¡°the agency¡±)
955 L¡¯Enfant Plaza SW
Suite #4000
Washington, DC 20024
?
To Acting Director Keith Sonderling:
?
I am writing on behalf of the Dennos Museum
Center (DMC) at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) (i.e., ¡°the grantee¡±) in
response to the IMLS Authorization for Termination of
Grant(s) letter re:
that I received on
April 8, 2025 via email.
?
Pursuant to the ¡°,¡± I am writing to formally request a termination/suspension review
of IGSM-255596-OMS-24 under section ¡°30. Procedures for
Requesting a Review of Suspension or Termination.¡±
According to the procedure outlined on page 20 of the aforementioned policy: ¡°¡The
request for review must contain a full statement of your position and the
pertinent facts and reasons that support such a position.¡± A brief statement of
the position and facts follows below:
?
¡¤???????
Whereas
the DMC at NMC received notification of federal award IGSM-255596-OMS-24
in the amount of $15,760 on July 17, 2024;
?
¡¤???????
Whereas
DMC at NMC expended the sum total of $13,693.49 to accomplish said objectives
outlined in IGSM-255596-OMS-24 on or before December 20,
2024;
?
¡¤???????
Whereas DMC at NMC has closed and
reported on all previous grant awards made by IMLS to the grantee and finds
itself in good fiscal and reporting standing with the agency;
?
¡¤???????
Whereas
DMC at NMC received the aforementioned termination letter dated April 8, 2025;
?
Now therefore, the DMC at NMC respectfully
requests a formal review of the termination/suspension of grant IGSM-255596-OMS-24
according to the terms and conditions outlined in the IMLS document entitled ¡°General Terms and Conditions for IMLS
Discretionary Grant and Cooperative Agreement Awards Issued After December 21,
2020.¡±
?
Thank you for your time. Please do not
hesitate to contact me for additional information or with questions regarding
this formal appeal letter.
?
Sincerely,
Craig Hadley
Executive Director and Chief Curator
?
cc: IMLS General
Counsel (ogc@...)
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Join us for this important AAMG webinar as we dive into the complexities of museum pay structures, salary transparency, and advocacy for fair compensation. Whether you're a museum professional, administrator, or emerging leader, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate pay equity in the field.?
Virtual on April 15th, 2025 from 12:00 to 12:45pm EST
Register Here:?
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April AAMG Member of the Month!
? AAMG Member of the Month: Kaila T. Schedeen, PhD ?
Meet Dr. Kaila T. Schedeen, Exhibitions and Collections Manager at Art Galleries at Black Studies (AGBS), The University of Texas at Austin! Kaila is passionate about exhibition planning, student engagement, and ensuring university art spaces remain vibrant and accessible.
She¡¯s recently gained hands-on knowledge of exhibition construction, dreams of being a Beyonc¨¦ backup dancer for a day, and balances her love for coffee and tea. She values AAMG¡¯s resources, like the Virtual Convening, to help navigate best practices in the field.
Check out more about Kaila here:?
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Traveling exhibition prospectus for "Painting the Corners"
Hello,?
Attached you will find an exhibition?prospectus and image for?Painting the corners: On themes of time and space in American Baseball.
I am a member of AAMG and respectfully request that this information be uploaded to the website.?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Kristina 
-- Kristina Newhouse What the artist says Artist Estate and Legacy Planning @kristina.newhouse @whattheartistsays C: 310-427-4754
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Rani Robison
Ricardo J Reyes
Katie Farkas
Craig Hadley
Kristina Newhouse