We’ve asked FWMoA staff the hardest question you can ask art museum people: so, what is your favorite artwork currently on display? As “art museum people”, we often get asked about our favorite artists, artworks, and the art we choose to hang on our own walls. Since not all of our staff are front-end, and not all of them write for the blog, this series gives everyone a chance to get to know them, too. Taking advantage of our rotating exhibitions of artworks, from painted portraits to sculpted bronzes, FWMoA staff from all departments are choosing artworks that enthrall and enchant them; or, in other words, playing favorites.
Meet Madeline (Maddie) Rey, our high school Education Intern this spring! To get her acquainted with the Museum collection, we sent her down to explore the galleries and choose a favorite piece. Like many of our guests, she was captivated by the multiple works of colorful contemporary glass we have; but, this particular piece by Richard Royal really caught her eye.
Q: What is the first thing you noticed about this artwork? What drew you to this particular piece?
A: I first noticed all the beautiful colors in this piece. They all work so well together and blend together seamlessly. They are so vibrant. I was drawn in by the shape of the piece, it looks like it could tip over and the shape itself is so unique.
Q: Would you hang this artwork in your home? Why or why not?
A: I would definitely hang this in my home because it’s so pretty and would look really good in the sun. It goes with a lot of the colors already in my house.
Q: What does this artwork mean to you?
A: This artwork is special to me because it kind of reminds me of a person in its shape but also in the fact that it’s several different unique pieces which come together to create something really beautiful and better than all the parts on their own.
Royal worked for many years as a ceramicist and then became one of Chihuly’s apprentices for many years. He worked with many different artists to create his own style.
[Editor’s Note: The FWMoA has multiple works by Dale Chihuly on display in our atrium (look up!) and the Contemporary Studio Glass Wing for comparison between the two artists].
Q: Why did you choose to work in an art museum?
A: I am going to college to become an art therapist and I just thought this would be a really fun experience as well as getting me started in working with other people with art. Up until now, my own art has been more of a solitary thing. Being able to talk to the public, as well as professionals, with and about art has really given me unique views and helped me see art in a new light.
Q: What has been your favorite exhibition at FWMoA during your employment? What exhibition are you most looking forward to in the next year or two?
A: My favorite exhibition is Lucky Monster: Works by Jiha Moon. I really liked hearing Jiha talk about her work, and it just made me admire her work so much. I’m looking forward to the Fantastic Realms exhibition opening in a couple of weeks because I think it will be so cool to talk to school tours about it and see everyone’s perspective on the unique and whimsical pieces.
Q: What kind of art (if any) do you have in your home?
A: I mostly have my own art. It’s fun to see how much I’ve grown over the years, and it’s so nice to see my art spread throughout my family and their houses. I’m the artist of the family, and they’re just so supportive of my art and I really appreciate it.