Firsthand History

Firsthand History: A Curator Reflects By Rebecca Prinster, Assistant Curator of History

AS ASSISTANT CURATOR OF HISTORY at the Albuquerque Museum, it’s my role to oversee the development of exhibits on view in the William A. + Loretta Barrett Keleher community history gallery. This small gallery was set aside to be a space where community members could tell their own (hi)stories and was first initiated in 2015 as a way to fill thematic and narrative gaps in our then-newly renovated, permanent history exhibit. For these exhibitions, members of the community propose and develop a project, and our staff makes their dreams a reality. My job through this is to keep the community group on schedule and act as a translator between them and the Museum staff. Past exhibitions have explored a variety of community histories, including the influx of people to Albuquerque seeking treatment for tuberculosis, Fairview Cemetery, the Chinese American community, and the role of the Territory of New Mexico during the American Revolution. Our most recent exhibition was about the Japanese incarceration camps that were in New Mexico during World War Two.

Creating exhibitions with nonprofessionals is not without its challenges, though. Community groups and Museum staff may prioritize deadlines differently, and work schedules are not always complementary. Moreover there is the question—who or what constitutes a “community”? Despite the challenges, my experience co-curating these exhibitions has been rich and rewarding. These groups have educated me through the retelling of their experiences and taught me how to be a better collaborator. Plus, these relationships often carry on beyond the exhibit closing date, which is a reward in itself.

Community members are invited to contact the Museum for more information or for an exhibition proposal form. Baby lions used in an opening day performance for the Chinese American community history exhibition.

Join Creative Age Workshops

THIS WINTER, THE ALBUQUERQUE MUSEUM continues the Creative Age workshops for adults ages 55 and older. Sponsored by a grant from Aroha Philanthropies, Creative Age workshops are part of the Vitality Arts education programs for older adults. Community artists teach the workshops, which complement current exhibitions in the Museum.

PUPPET MAKING WITH DEVON LUDLOW Devon Ludlow, puppeteer for Human Beast Box and Meow Wolf, will teach puppet making in January and February. This class accompanies The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited. Classes are held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sundays and Tuesdays from January 7 to February 2. Classes culminate with a public presentation and reception on February 4.

DREAMS UNREAL DANCE AND MOVEMENT WORKSHOP The new exhibition, Dreams Unreal: The Genesis of the Psychedelic Rock Poster, will serve as the springboard for a dance workshop taught by Keshet Center for the Arts’ faculty member Adrian Moore Trask. “Participants will draw from the formal elements and imagery of the psychedelic posters, the emotion of the music, and the ideas and historical context as inspiration for movement invention, discussion and connection, and creative exploration,” says Trask.

Dance and movement will be offered from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesdays, January 22 through March 11, followed by a public performance and reception on March 18.

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New

Julie looks forward to working with the community to host business and personal gatherings.

VALDEZ IS THE NEW FACILITY RENTAL COORDINATOR The Albuquerque Museum welcomes Julie Valdez, who has joined the team as the facility rental coordinator. Julie has worked in the hospitality, event and film industries for the past 22 years.

Prior to coming to Albuquerque Museum, Julie was the director of catering for Heritage Hotels’ Santa Fe properties and Crowne Plaza Albuquerque. Prior to that, Julie worked as a destination wedding coordinator and catering sales with Bekker’s Catering in San Diego. Originally from Albuquerque, she moved back in 2016 to be near her children and grandchildren.

A world traveler, Julie lived on a sailboat for two and a half years while in San Diego, and joined a sailboat racing team to learn how to sail. “Being from New Mexico, I had no clue how to sail when I bought the sailboat,” she says. WOICCAK JOINS THE FOUNDATION The Albuquerque Museum Foundation welcomes Mary Beth Woiccak as the executive assistant. Mary Beth has more than 18 years of experience from other art-re

lated roles as gallery manager, program director, and art consultant, among others. Her passion for the arts, project management knowledge, and personality is a welcome addition to the staff.

Born in Endwell, New York, she has made her way to New Mexico via Georgia and Texas. Mary Beth is an artist and loves the outdoors. She is overjoyed to call Albuquerque her new home and looks forward to supporting the Foundation’s director, staff, and committees.

MUSEUM MEMBER DEALS Simply present your membership card to the cashier.

JANUARY GET 1/2 OFF ANY DESSERT WITH PURCHASE OF AN ENTREE

FEBRUARY TRY ONE OF OUR LARGE SUGARFINA CANDIES FOR 15% OFF

MARCH FREE FLAVOR SHOT WITH ANY SPECIALTY COFFEE DRINK

Slate Street Café provides catering services to private and corporate clients. We are committed to making each event unique and extraordinary. We specialize in wedding receptions, wrap parties, VIP functions, business lunches, and other events. Contact us to discuss your next event.

AlbuquerqueMuseumFoundation.org 11 2000 MOUNTAIN ROAD NW ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87104 Located inside the Albuquerque Museum 505-243-2220 www.slatestreetcafe.com