If this post feels a little spooky, it’s because I am submitting this from beyond the walls of the Dallas Museum of Art (OOOooooOOO)! My last day as the McDermott Intern for Gallery Teaching was two days ago, but I will miss the DMA so much that I couldn’t leave without a proper farewell! Thinking back on these last seven months, I realized just how many wonderful art-filled experiences I’ve had, but since I am limited to this one post, I’ve decided to share my top five:
- Mark Bradford’s exhibition was the first non-collection show that I learned about at the DMA. His huge works of art are overwhelming, innovative, and have wonderful background stories. It is for all of these reasons (and more!) that I loved looking at this exhibition with my fourth-grade tour groups.
- My next favorite work of art is the ancient Egyptian coffin of Horankh. I really enjoyed speaking about ancient Egypt during our Intern Share Sessions for the Docents. I am also fond of talking to fourth-graders about the process of mummification and the Egyptian gods and goddesses.
- One of my favorite spaces in the Museum is the American silver gallery, because the pieces have such wonderful decorations and designs. Having worked in a Victorian-era historic house full of objects from the Gilded Age, I enjoy sharing these with school groups because they really encourage close looking.
- Hannah and I noticed this little lady as soon as we started at the DMA, and she has been one of our “favorites” ever since. I think she is funny. Hannah thinks she is scary. Either way, she will be gracing the cover of the Me & My World docent guide that I revised as my internship project.
- Last, but certainly not least, I must include the lovely ladies that I worked with during my time at the DMA. This is one of the most friendly, creative, and fun-loving group of people I have ever had the privilege to work with. I knew that I could always count on them to provide me with words of encouragement, whether we were discussing an upcoming project or belting out songs during a karaoke outing. I will miss them immensely. (Unfortunately, Nicole isn’t in this group photo, but I’m talking about her too!)
Thank you for making my time here so wonderful!
Jessica Kennedy
McDermott Intern for Gallery Teaching