2/4 Model Curator's Statement

2/4 Model Curator's Statement

What is a curator?

• the Curator of a museum is the person in charge of selecting the works to display and explaining to museum visitors how these works go together, what makes them important, the context in which they were created, as well as other information.

• Curators are experts on the work they present to the public, and they use their knowledge to inform and engage visitors.

Open Ended

In the directions for the performance task, you are the CURATOR. What does that mean for you and your assignment? What is it your job to do?

Read the Model Curator's Statement

Weathering the Storm

In the 1920s the energy of the artistic world was focused on Harlem and the experience of black Americans overall. These artists were fighting for their right to be heard and to address themes that were important to them. Together, they shed light on many important issues and brought great beauty into the world.

Read the Model Curator's Statement

In this exhibit, you will see one part of this story, through a group of works that connect nature and our lives. “Truth” by Nikki Grimes, “Storm Ending” by Jean Toomer, “Like a Strong Tree” by Claude McKay, and Isle de Bonaventure by Palmer Hayden invite us to explore the theme that nature’s mysteries can teach us about how complex life can be.

Read the Model Curator's Statement

Experience these works with an eye to the past and the present, and perhaps they will remind you of the beauty and mystery all around us. They may even remind you of the beautiful surprises life can hold. Open your eyes, look around, and as Grimes says, “See where it heads”!

Multiple Choice

What is the theme identified in the model curator's statement you just read?

• The Harlem Renaissance is an important time in history.

• Weather can be dangerous.

• Nature’s mysteries can teach us about how complex life can be

• Strength from the past can encourage us in the present

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of the first paragraph in the Model Curator's Statement?

In the 1920s the energy of the artistic world was focused on Harlem and the experience of black Americans overall. These artists were fighting for their right to be heard and to address themes that were important to them. Together, they shed light on many important issues and brought great beauty into the world.

• to identify the topic of the museum exhibit

• to provide context of the Harlem Renaissance

• to identify the three selections featured in the exhibit

• to express the curator's personal experiences

Open Ended

The title of the exhibit in the model curator's statement is "Weathering the Storm". Why is that a good title for the exhibit?

Multiple Select

What words and phrases show that the writer is excited about these works and wants the reader to be excited as well?

• "In this exhibit"

• "beautiful surprises"

• "Experience these works"

• "address the themes"

• "invite us to explore"

Isle de Bonaventure

painting by Palmer Hayden

Stop and experience the painting

Isle de Bonaventure, by Palmer Hayden, and discover the rows of birds flocking over a turbulent ocean. The clouds hang overhead, and the painting is full of light and life that only a true artist can bring to the world. The painting reminds us of the complex swirl of life all around us, if we only look.

Multiple Select

What makes this an effective curator's label?

• It's informative.

• It's descriptive.

• It's supported by research

• It reveals the author's personal opinion.

What's Next?

Tomorrow, you'll be drafting your own curator's statement and labels.