Michigan Woven Wheat

I found this woven piece of art within the Michigan State University Museum’s Collection. I decided to choose this beautiful agricultural work because it made me stop in my tracks while I was scrolling through the hundreds of catalogued items. The assignment was to choose a piece that resonated or related to myself. To me, this piece made me think about the connections I have to my home state, university, and the sorority that shaped me in my time at the aforementioned school.
This woven artwork is made in Michigan from a crop that is also grown frequently throughout the state. Being born in southeastern Michigan, there were not many wheat fields to be found within walking distance. However every summer from the time that I was eight years old was spent out near the thumb among the farm fields of the grains that were to be harvested in the following fall.
Continuing into my college years I chose a University long known for its prestige in Agricultural Studies. Although I did not choose to follow that path in my educational path, I still have the deepest respect for those who do. The woven wheat heart, made me stop to think about the people I have met here at Michigan State and how the university itself has shaped me since I began my education here. Without the history of the Agricultural program here at MSU, there would be no school and I would not be the same person that I am today. Everything happens for a reason.
Lastly the sorority that I joined in the first weeks that I found myself at MSU holds dear the symbol of the sheaf of wheat. The many strands of wheat coming together to make a one big bundle. Here the wheat is intertwined together into a heart-shape. As corny as it may seem this heart made me think of the love I have for the house that helped me to become the leader that I am today.
Museum Collections and exhibitions can inspire us and help us remember the great things in our lives. They are not merely just a home for musty items that have no meaning. Find out more about your self, history and the world around you at a Museum near you.

Briefly on Exhibitions: From Labels to Layout

When walking through an exhibition the first thing some one looks at is the objects that are being displayed. Maybe its the first thing that catches your eye, or maybe its the very center of the exhibit, but you may never know what exactly you are looking at without the help of the kindly placed label that sits closely to that eye catching piece. The exhibit flows easily through a well thought out security plan that allows patrons to easily view objects in an innovative environment

Many details come together in attribute to an exhibition's success. From the smallest of details, such as how to identify the exhibits objects to the marketing of the exhibit to the general public.  Labels are always as valuable as the object or work of art that they accompany. Without them a Museum Patron may never understand the importance of the object and why it was chosen to be exhibited. A good label is clear and concise, informative and interesting, and be accessible to large range of audiences.

However there would be nothing to label without the objects themselves and their displays. The production should set the overall tone of the exhibit. Lighting, flow patterns and creative ways of displays will make sure to give the patrons the mood of the exhibit.

A good marketing plan will not only make the community know about the new exhibition but also make them want to take the time to come see it. With out knowledge of its existence, there will be no patrons however you also have to make them interested in coming to see it.

Museum exhibitions are the thoughts and ideas of many coming together to create a cohesive display that interests and even thrills its visitors. There not only one good way to create an exhibit but the basics will help to create wonderful exhibition that keeps the community and tourists coming back for more.



Cited

"National Association for Museum Exhibition." NAME: National Association for Museum Exhibition. American Association of Museums, n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2012. <http://name-aam.org/about/who-we-are/standards>.

"Serrell & Associates :: Museum Consultants." Serrell & Associates :: Museum Consultants. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2012. <http://www.serrellassociates.org/labelwriting.html>.