The student curators in this year’s Curatorial Practicum class worked hard last quarter on an exhibition at the Clyfford Still Museum. The focus of the class taught by Myhren Gallery director Dan Jacobs changes every year, and 2014’s student curators had a particularly exciting assignment. The show, titled “Clyff Notes: A Lifetime of Works on Paper,” was the result of a fruitful collaboration with the Clyfford Still Museum (CSM). Working closely with Dan, as well as CSM staff, including director, Dean Sobel, archivist, Jessie De La Cruz, and collections manager, Bailey Harberg, students spearheaded the exhibition from start to finish. They started with on-site archival research and continued with outside reading and research on the artist and his life, which led them to eventually settle on a theme for the show. “Clyff Notes” is an exploration of how Still’s educational experiences and own personality provided him with ideas he used throughout his career. The eight student curators in the class selected the artwork on display, researched and wrote the text that accompanies the work, and also designed a unique layout for the gallery. The show is currently up in the Works on Paper gallery at the CSM and features works on paper (drawings, pastels, and watercolors) that span the length of his artistic career.
Last Friday, April 11th, there was a successful opening reception for the exhibition. The students attended with friends and family and staff from both the CSM and DU attended as well. It was a great turn out and a wonderful occasion for the students to showcase all of their hard work. Make sure to stop by the CSM to see for yourself what a fantastic and professional gallery presentation the students created!
