Side by Side

Presented by the student curators in Curator High

Installation Overview

This summer, in partnership with Jobs 253 (Tacoma Public Schools), Museum of Glass launched Curator High, a program for students interested in learning more about the curatorial process at museums. Working closely with the Museum's Education and Curatorial departments, the students designed a display for the Grand Hall with work from the Museum’s Permanent Collection. The high school curators determined the display’s topic and content, built interpretive content for the case, and worked with all departments in the Museum to realize their vision.

Read below for more from the student curators about Side by Side.

From the Curators:

We are interested in our relationship with the environment. The works we selected explore the delicate balance of nature, as well as its bewitching power. As a society, we take land and trees for granted. Taking too much means that nobody gets to enjoy the great things around us, creating an imbalance. We need more mutualism. Nature is forgiving if we respect it.

The pieces in Side by Side serve as a substitute for what is lost or endangered. It is meant to provoke us to change. It is no longer a choice. We love and miss the rain like it used to be. Now that it is gone, we realize that we took it for granted. Summer is brown now, and the springtimes are dry. We hope to inspire a shared appreciation for, and desire to protect, this place we call home. Artists and designers play a part in designing more sustainable cities and solutions. Side by Side represents what this world could be like again. This vitrine could be a glimpse into the future and a reminder of the past.

Side By Side Opening Reception
Saturday September 2, 2023 • 3-5pm

Mingle with Curator High participants and ask them about the piece they selected for Side by Side. Refreshments and finger food will be served.

Artistic crafts and activities related to the exhibition will take place in the Education Studio 3-5pm. Regular Museum admission required.

Kit Paulson (American, born 1981). Globe de Mariee III, 2014. Lamp-worked glass and furnace glass, mirror, and copper; 12 × 6 in. Collection of Museum of Glass, gift of the artist. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Featured Images

CREDITS

  1. Joey Kirkpatrick (American, born 1952) and Flora C. Mace (American, born 1949). Flicker, Made at the Museum in 2002. Blown glass, glass cane, and glass-dust drawing pick ups; 13 3/4 × 7 × 6 3/4 in. Collection of Museum of Glass, gift of the artists. Photo courtesy of the artists.

  2. Paul J. Stankard (American, born 1943). Lilac Bouquet Orb with Honeybees, 2005. Blown glass with flameworked elements; 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 in. Collection of Museum of Glass, gift of the artist. Photo courtesy of the artist.