Director’s Desk: Today at the White House

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Photo: Dorothy Kosinski

It was terrifically moving to attend today’s presentation at the White House by Michelle Obama of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This is a photo of my colleague at the Columbus Museum of Art, Nannette Maciejunes, director, with one outstanding young constituent who has benefited enormously from the museum’s programs. It was so inspiring to hear each of the stories of the ten institutions and their real-life impact on individuals they serve. I was not the only person with tears in the eyes. I was proud to be there to represent AAMD and our own much-loved Phillips Collection.

(And did I mention how beautiful, statuesque, articulate, and natural the First Lady is?)

Dorothy Kosinski, Director

 

Style Profile: Molly Sheldon

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Photos: Joshua Navarro

Photos: Joshua Navarro

Molly Sheldon’s style screams out originality. I feel as if everyday, at least one person compliments her on a piece of clothing. She can surprise you when she comes into work wearing a tie that belongs to her boyfriend, a draping skirt with a tiger on it, or this vibrant outfit. Whatever it is, it’s a style of her own, and she wears it well.

Joshua Navarro, Museum Assistant and Blog Photographer

Seeing Art Slowly: Part I

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Images of paintings viewed on Slow Art Day 2013

(left) Willem de Kooning, Asheville, ca. 1935. Oil and enamel on cardboard, 25 9/16 x 31 7/8 in. The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. Acquired 1952 (right) Bradley Walker Tomlin, No. 8, 1952. Oil and charcoal on canvas, 65 7/8 x 47 7/8 in. The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. Acquired 1955.

On Saturday, April 27, Slow Art Day came to The Phillips Collection. Slow Art Day is an annual event that happens all over the world. This event challenges museum visitors to see art differently. In organizing the Phillips iteration, I was excited about the potential discussions a slow art visit would generate. At the Phillips, participants were invited to view works like Willem de Kooning‘s Asheville and Bradley Walker Tomlin‘s No. 8, slowly.

I encourage you to make every day Slow Art Day. Challenge yourself to look at art differently. Slow down and spend time looking. Hopefully this will lead to a meaningful discussion about the pieces of art you see. You can do it right now! Spend 5-10 minutes looking at the Willem de Kooning and Bradley Walker Tomlin paintings above and share your reaction in the comments. Then stay tuned for a guest post by Gallery Educator Lana Housholder who led the tour at the Phillips.

Mackenzie Good, DC Emerging Museum Professionals Co-Officer, Washington, D.C. 2013 Slow Art Day Organizer