Their favorite things: From curators to guards, Museum of International Folk Art exhibit features staff picks from its collection
Feb. 25—For the first time in the Museum of International Folk Art's 70-year history, all of its staff members have curated a show of their favorite objects.
From a robot resembling the Tin Man to a circular shield made of worry dolls, "Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection" showcases hidden gems and treasured items from the museum's permanent collection. The show will run through Aug.18.
Everyone from secretaries to janitors and guards visited the museum's massive storage area to browse its rich holdings. Thirty-five staff members chose two objects apiece for a total of 70 artworks to be displayed in the museum's Bartlett Gallery. The selection spans 26 countries.
"People picked things they liked or things they'd seen in previous exhibits," said curator Rachel Cover. "Our executive secretary likes spoons, so she picked two spoons from our collection."
The artist James Bauer assembled his robot, circa 1994, from recycled materials.
"His main body is made out of a slow cooker," Cover said.
The robot's head consists of a coffee measuring cup; he has measuring spoon hands.
"His feet are old school roller skates," Cover added. "He has vintage motorcycle glasses."
The Ainu Indigenous people of Japan stitched a kimono-like garment with elaborate embroidery known as a chijiri robe. It's made of hand-dyed indigo with chain stitch embroidery.
"It would be typically worn on more formal occasions by a woman," Cover said.
Acclaimed Tesuque artist Ben Ortega carved a bevy of birds perched on a piece of "desert driftwood." Ortega is known for a signature style, emphasizing the natural grain of the wood with graceful lines and delicate features.
Ecuadoran artist Osvaldo Viteri created an orbit of worry dolls in 1980. The object was Cover's choice for the exhibit.
"It has tons and tons of worry dolls glued to this board," Cover said.
"They're collectible," she continued. "They were for children. They would tell the doll about their sorrows, fears and worries."
Children placed the dolls under their pillows at night. By morning, their worries had vanished.
An elaborate collar glittering with turquoise, coral and garnets came from Nepal. Bodhisattva figures center each panel like conchos.
A bodhisattva is a Buddhist deity who has attained the highest level of enlightenment, but who delays their entry into Paradise in order to help the earthbound.
"I think it was made for sale," Cover said. "It's very hefty. It's definitely a note to craftsmanship."
The choice to bring the entire museum staff into the collection stemmed from a strategic planning workshop on inclusivity.
"When we're doing shows, a lot of the time it is all-curatorial with little input from staff," Cover said.
Visitors can expect to encounter a range of mediums, styles, geographies and eras.
Like most museums, MOIFA exhibits only a small portion of its collection in its galleries. Much of the collection remains in storage, rarely seen by the public or staff members.
