Families Belong Together: How Should Museums Respond?

Families Belong Together: How Should Museums Respond?

Two weeks ago, the Department of Homeland Security revealed that over 2,300 children were separated from their families along the Mexico-U.S. border under President Trump’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy. Although he has since reversed this order, parents and children remain separated in detainment centers, and it 

Acknowledging Slavery in Early American Art at the Worcester Art Museum

Acknowledging Slavery in Early American Art at the Worcester Art Museum

I’ll admit it. Oil portraits are not my thing. Yes, I am a museum studies student, and yes, I think there’s something to love about pretty much all museums. But if you take me to the Met or the MFA, I am not dragging you 

What Does it Take to Restore a 19th Century Eakins Portrait?

What Does it Take to Restore a 19th Century Eakins Portrait?

Thomas Eakins was an American painter, photographer, and sculptor most known for his portraiture and genre works. Born in Philadelphia in 1844, Eakins has been called the “father of modern realism in American Art.” His work has been exhibited internationally, in institutions such as the 

Asking Forgiveness Instead of Permission

Asking Forgiveness Instead of Permission

The Berkshire Museum has gone ahead with the auction and private sale of choice pieces from its collection, including works by Norman Rockwell (whose works were intended for the people of Pittsfield, MA in perpetuity), Alexander Calder, and Frederic Church. They have not yet reached 

Museums in the Age of #MeToo

Museums in the Age of #MeToo

From Medieval Europe to modern day Hollywood, women have long suffered sexualized power imbalances for the sake of “art.” With the recent changing climate, due to the #MeToo movement, museum educators increasingly face the need to address problematic artists and their subjects hanging in our 

Worcester Art Museum Rethinks Labels and Re-contextualizes Art

Worcester Art Museum Rethinks Labels and Re-contextualizes Art

In recent months the Worcester Art Museum has mounted labels that re-contextualize the paintings of wealthy Americans from the past. Throughout history,  prominent and stately portraits have consisted of subjects who can afford to have such works painted. Oftentimes these paintings depict individuals who owned