Review of Darger as Reader, Writer and Bookmaker at Intuit Darger as Reader, Writer, and Bookmaker (open June 11–July 18, 2021) is the first is a series of three exhibits about the Henry Darger Room at Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art. Henry Darger (1892-1973) was a Chicago-based illustrator and author who was... Continue Reading →
Chicago Museums’ Digital Engagement During COVID-19
Museums are physical locations where we make face-to-face connections with each other, objects, and exhibits. But, in this time of social distancing, how can museums support our communities? As the Chicago Museum Exhibitors Group (CMEG) pivoted our own programming for the museum community from in-person to online, we hosted a webinar that explored how diverse Chicagoland... Continue Reading →
Everyone Evaluate!
Chicago Museum Exhibitors Group Meeting on Audience Research In developing her framework for judging exhibitions, Beverly Serrell, one of the founders of the field of audience research, said that she and her colleagues, "went from judging exhibitions, to judging ourselves." When we conduct audience research, we not only determine whether our exhibits are visitor-centered, but... Continue Reading →
The Five Components of a Great Museum Volunteer Program
Interview with Fran Mast, Research & Evaluation Associate at Shedd Aquarium As a museum professional, I’m always looking for opportunities to expand my horizons and I’ve found that volunteering is a great way to gain experience outside of my job. One of my volunteer gigs is at the Shedd Aquarium, where I collect and analyze... Continue Reading →
Making Museums Welcoming, Inclusive, Accessible
Have you ever overheard a museum professional make a statement like, “while I know it's important to make sure wheelchair users can get around, the wide aisles really interrupt the flow of the space.” However well-intentioned, statements like these miss the power and importance of making museums welcoming, inclusive, and accessible. At the most recent... Continue Reading →