Top 10 lists are actually one of my guilty pleasures of the New Year, especially when the list pertains to popular culture. After a visit to Google Analytics, I pulled the top 10 most read IMA Blog posts of the past year (according to pageviews). Some of these were actually written before 2010, but our readers kept them popular. So, in case you missed any of the original posts, here are the favorites of the past year…

10.  We’ll count ‘em down starting at number 10 with a post by Noelle. Searching for those wonderful interns we adore, Noelle posted a WANTED ad for Spring 2010 interns. As a former IMA intern, I can say the experience gained at the IMA is above and beyond most other internship programs. If you’re interested in the Indianapolis Museum of Art Internship Program, applications for the Summer Session are due next Friday, January 7.

9. At number 9, Rob gave 5 Reasons Why TAP should be Your Museum’s Next Mobile Platform. From first-class content management to open-sourced and community owned, this post is one to revisit for those interested in the technical aspects of the IMA’s TAP tours.

8. Rolling in at number 8 is an IMA TV episode filmed in 100 Acres Art and Nature Park. IMA TV chats with Associate Curator of Contemporary Art, Sarah Green, while installing Atelier van Lieshout’s Funky Bone Benches in 100 Acres. (Bonus shot of little baby Henry Green included.)

7. Lucky number 7 is another IMA TV episode from 100 Acres. Watch Laurie Gilbert discuss how the IMA Design Team used creative methods to establish the maps and way finding signs in 100 Acres. A group of visitors were asked to find about 7 landmarks using the signage provided (no map) to help the Design team better understand if the signs were working and where people might be getting lost.

6. Posted just last week, the number 6 most read post of the year comes from Ed. It seems that many of you were interested in learning how to level up your lingo, as Ed shares some of the modern tools he uses to brush up on foreign languages.

5. Capping off the top 5 is a post by Kate titled, MTV “Covers” Reality TV, Indie, and New Media. While the post was actually written in 2009, it still takes honors in the number of pageviews it received in 2010. Kate previews a new MTV series called $5 Cover. As MTV takes steps to add more relevant programming, the show promised a ‘fascinating experiment in new media storytelling, combining the unabashed narcissism of reality TV with the raw, rough edges of indie cinema.’ Some critics are now saying this isn’t exactly what the show delivered.

4. Number 4 is another blast from the past (posted in 2008) and comes from guest blogger Patrick Smith – an airline pilot, author, and air travel columnist. In his post, The Jetliner as Art, Smith exemplifies his fascination with and insurmountable knowledge on aircraft design. Starting in the mid-60s and fast forwarding to current times, the post describes aircraft transformations in both design and functionality.

3. The number 3 most read IMA Blog post of 2010 is by Charlie. In Capitalizing on Perception, Charlie discusses the resurgence of 3D in the movie theaters and other media outlets. After reading this post, I was curious to see which 3D film has scored the highest Box Office numbers. According to BoxOfficeMojo.com, Avatar tops the list, which isn’t too surprising. It is pretty remarkable though that the film has grossed almost double the number 2 film (Toy Story 3).

2. The number 1 and number 2 posts tell us that our readers LOVE to participate. We asked you to vote for your favorite Project IMA: Fashion Unbound Designer and you answered our call. It was a very close race, but our readers crowned Amanda Helmsing winner with 29% of the vote.

And finally…

1. Here it is – the most read IMA Blog post of 2010 – a Vote for the IMA’s Next Top Blogger. The IMA called out to those interested in sharing their opinions, musings, and perspectives as a guest writer for the IMA blog. Katie Neville won the crown as the IMA’s Next Top Blogger, and has since written 4 posts for us.

Well, there you have it – the top 10 of 2010. Anyone want to take bets for 2011?

The good news is that the list of IMA bloggers will be expanding in the next couple of weeks. That means you won’t have to rely on my posts for your exciting look into the world of an art museum. Soon you’ll hear from a variety of perspectives, including conservation, curatorial, education and horticulture. I’ll still talk about technology, new media, art content and soccer, but I’m afraid you may have to wait a little longer. My apologies in advance.

Speaking of new bloggers, we are also working on the concept of Guest Bloggers. Yes, we are talking about people like Jay Z, Banksy, Jessica Alba, Jared the Subway Guy and other big names. I doubt we’ll get any of these celebs, but we are thinking creatively about who could be a guest blogger.

The fact is, it could be you, it could be an artist, actor, musician, race car driver, skydiver, chef and so on. Everyone is connected to art in some way, and blogging with the IMA would allow others to communicate that.

So really think about this concept. Would you blog for the IMA? If so, let us know. Who should blog for the IMA? We would love to hear your suggestions.

I’ve thought a lot about this. Someone like Jay Z would be an incredible addition to the list of IMA bloggers – but I’m not sure how likely that is. I mulled and mulled and random people started popping into my head. I’ve listed a few of them below, and in each case I tried to pick people with good web resources, so you could also learn about them. Drum roll please…

Volzy: He’s German, plays professional soccer in London, rides around on a fold up bike, LOVES David Hasselhoff and provides a listing of German phrases everyone should know, such as – Wo kann ich mir meine VokuHila Frisur blondieren lassen? (Where can I get my mullet highlighted?), as well as important facts, such as – in no other country will more X-rays be done than in Germany. I would love to hear who is his favorite artist is.

Douglas Coupland: Artist, author, blogger, Canadian, producer and more. Microserfs remains one of my all-time favorite books, and it’s been fascinating to watch Coupland evolve as an artist since his 90’s release of Generation X. His analysis of pop culture is astounding, so who wouldn’t want to hear his opinions on art, art museums, and artists? I would. He also loves Lego. And so do I.

Patrick Smith: pilot, author and contributor to salon.com. I love planes, airports and flying. His book, Ask the Pilot is packed with interesting facts, humor and opinions on airline liveries and logos. He’s traveled all over the world – he must have visited some museums, right? Although, he recently visited 15 countries in 21 days, traveling 45,000 miles without stepping foot outside. Well, he might be able to tell us how to get that ‘free’ first class upgrade. Who’s going to argue with that?

Jillian Lewis: Alright, I’m busted. I watch Project Runway and I’m rooting for Jillian. She’s talented, stylish, articulate, to-the-point and not afraid to express her opinion. Sounds like a blogger to me, but can she take Bryant Park? My thoughts might also be influenced by an upcoming fashion exhibition, Breaking the Mode, and the site that just launched. And hey, it wouldn’t be an IMA blog post without a Facebook reference – so join the Jillian Fan Club here.

I could keep going here, but as I have in the past, I’m going to the leave door wide open for you to comment…