Day 2 at the Amon Carter: Interpretation and Collections

Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada, Georgia O'Keefe, Laura Gilpin, and more, at the International Folk Art Pottery Demonstration in Santa Fe, NM. 

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Good afternoon!

Last Friday was my second day at the Amon Carter. I still can't believe that I get to do this for the summer. I had an amazing day touring the library and archives, and looking at all the exhibitions, as well as spending time answering questions at the Art Cart. Both Interpretation and Public Programs are incredible ways to participate and learn about art, our history, and how we relate not just to the art, but to each other.

I met the research and archives specialist, and all knowing Jonathan Frembling. We talked about the history of DFW and the influence that Mr. Amon Carter had in shaping today's cultural district in Fort Worth. We looked at books and maps before the west was fully explored and documented. I got to see a real Joseph Albers simultaneous contrast study and a giant book of history with amazing illustrations among other things at the library. I will need to go back on a day off and spend a whole day in there. I had no idea that the library was open to the public!

I got to hold Laura Gilpin's camera in the archives area as well as her scrapbooks, which is what makes art history investigations possible! Without this documentation it becomes trickier (not impossible) to track and find the information needed for our history to be uncovered and shared. The first image (above) shows just how important it is that we as artists, and educators remain connected and informed about what is happening not just in our particular fields of art, but everywhere else. We are more connected than we think!

The Art Cart was another amazing opportunity to brush up on the history of photography. I got to talk to people about polaroids, and how the technical advances since the beginning of photography influences artists today to make incredible choices in their work such as Ellen Carey's exhibition "Dings, Pulls and Shadows." Take a look at my display and view from my corner of the gallery.

 Until next time!

Karla Garcia