A few months ago I wrote a post on data entry and clean-up. While to some, it may first seem uneventful- the glow of the computer screen, clacking keys, cream colored files.

It is really quite exciting; allow me to share just a few reasons why.

While researching the American textile collection, I delighted in studying our 1930s and 1940s textiles, a few of which were designed and produced as part of the Milwaukee WPA Handicraft project. This was a highly successful WPA venture that provided work for under-skilled people. The project engaged workers in a multitude of handcraft practices, instructed by designer- technicians drawn from graduates of the Milwaukee State Teachers College art department.

In the IMA’s collection, we have two examples of textiles that were produced as the result of this highly successful project; both designed by Florence Kawa.

The Reapers, Florence Kawa (39.41)

The Workers, Florence Kawa (39.42)

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So here we are, in the midst of Fashion Week (Have you been paying attention?) and even though we in Indianapolis are safely out of the way of all the hustle and bustle of tent life in New York, we are in the midst of preparing for a little hustle of our own.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

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I love that question. Even my beloved mother, who offered unwavering support through graduate school couldn’t always quite describe what I do. In fact it became a form of entertainment as I listened to her try.

Depending on her mood, the explanation would range from “she does something with museums” to “something with textiles”. Fortunately, she has it down now. But in her defense, so much of what is involved in a curatorial position goes on behind the scenes; it is easy to understand why one might not exactly know.

Here’s a glimpse behind the curtain:

Data Clean-up: Every department is different and therefore what might be deemed as daily activity may also vary. One of the tasks I’ve taken on is updating our internal database system, Emu.

We house roughly 7,000 objects in the Textile and Fashion Arts collection and as you might guess, it is a long, but rewarding process to update all of the records. To keep us organized, Niloo Paydar, Curator of Textiles and Fashion Arts keeps about 50 or so binders in her office divided into categories based on different things such as techniques, cultures or artists.

Each time I dive into the binders, I embark on a hunt for information, kind of like a detective. Every piece in our collection is represented by a record, containing annotations and references, many of which were made at the time of acquisition or amended as the result of a visiting scholar.  These are my clues.

My course of action ranges from combing obituaries for donor information, referencing exhibition catalogues, researching publications on artists or movements, to investigating specific terms such as aralac which, by the way, is a term for a synthetic fiber made from the milk protein casein.

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Some of you might remember, we hosted a fashion show in 2008, called Project IMA, and it was a resounding success. But if you missed it, or really wished you participated, hang on to your hats! Because we’re planning another one.

(Image: Melissa Glenn, www.melissaglenn.com/default4.asp)

Project IMA: Fashion Unbound, is a runway fashion show organized by the IMA and will take place on Friday October 22, 2010 at the IMA in the Toby Theater.

But first, things first…..
We are also pleased to announce that the Indianapolis Museum of Art is inviting artists and fashion designers to submit original, one-of-a kind-works for inclusion in this spectacular, one-night only event. The theme for Project IMA: Fashion Unbound is uncanny silhouettes and unexpected materials. Utilizing re-purposed or used materials is strongly encouraged.

So if that sounds like you, please fill out the application form and submit all the materials to ProjectIMA@imamuseum.org by August 20, 2010.
Oh! And tell your friends.

Official details are below.  Read the rest of this entry »

A while back I wrote a post on mannequin preparation for our exhibition, Body Unbound. Around the same time, I began working on short behind-the-scenes video with the Nugget Factory. Welcome to my first IMA TV interview.

Filming turned out to be a bit nerve-racking for me. “Act naturally,” is a phrase easier said than done. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy witnessing what exactly we do to prepare for an exhibition.

Body Unbound is now on open and looks fantastic. Be sure to stop by the IMA before January 2011 and see for yourself.

No mannequins were harmed during the making of this video: