With the year coming to a close, like most, I can’t help but wonder where did the time go? While my days (and nights) were filled to the brim with a variety of events, I’ve siphoned down my memories of 2015 into a Top Three.
Without further ado, My Top Three OJAC Moments of 2015:
3. Bobbing for Apples
Each Summer, the Education Department hosts a slew of camps inspired by our collection and current exhibitions. One of these camps focuses on a culture represented in the collection. The culture/theme changes every year so we can cycle through the many cultures and countries represented at the museum.
2015 focused on Ancient Greece.
Obviously we had an Olympics of a sort with the campers, with the grand finale being a twist on the Golden Apple myth and Bobbing for Apples (any way to cool down in the hot Texas sun is a must!).
Between the squeals of laughter (yay!) and runny noses (gross!) it was a great afternoon
2. Capturing artist Natasha Bowdoin’s installation of HEX∆M.
One of my absolute favorite things about the Old Jail is its Cell Series. Meeting contemporary artists, hearing what inspires them and learning about their processes is a priceless aspect of my job. Natasha Bowdoin was our Cell Series artist this spring, and golly, was she a treat!
Her work is vibrant and captivating, just as much as her personality. Chatting with her was a definite highlight of the year. (check out the time-lapse of her install: http://theoldjailartcenter.org/exhibitionlist/2015/2/7/natasha-bowdoin-hexm)
1. Exploring Downtown Dallas with the Jr. Docents…because let’s face it, who doesn’t love good art and food trucks?
Here at the OJAC we are fortunate to have a group of Jr. High and High School volunteers called the Jr. Docents. As a thank you for all of their hard work and time, we take the kiddos on an adventure at the end of each semester to a variety of museums. This summer we explored the museum district in Dallas.
Between imitating art at the Nasher, enjoying the food trucks (gryo pita anyone?), and having an immersive experience at the DMA, I can honestly say it was a fun-filled day with high energy, ending in a sleepy and quiet car ride back to Albany.
Have yourself a very Happy New Year, everyone!
Molly Gore Merck, Education Coordinator