SUMA Observations & Conversations
By Southern Utah Museum of Art
SUMA Observations & ConversationsNov 10, 2021
Behind the Podcast: Meet the Student Producer
This episode gives a behind the scenes look at the work it takes to produce our podcast, Observations & Conversations. For this episode, we sat down with Lisa Hardy, our student producer since August 2023. Lisa provides insight into her approach to tell stories through podcasting. We also talk about the unexpected moment we learned SUMA was selected to present at the virtual MuseumNext Digital Summit, in March 2024.
Lisa will be moving on to a position with the Center for Railroad Photography & Art in Madison, Wisconsin. We wish Lisa all the best in her future!
Step into the Stillman Sculpture Court
In this episode, we sit down with SUMA’s Executive Director, Jessica Kinsey, to discuss an important part of our permanent collection, The Stillman Sculpture Court. We chatted about the changes that have taken place since the opening of SUMA and The Beverley Center in 2016, including new sculpture additions and updates to the overall design and landscaping. These changes have created a place of exploration, discovery, and contemplation that allows visitors to think about how they might see themselves reflected in the art.
The Stillman Sculpture Court guide can be found here.
Click the link for more information about the 2024 Director's Trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico.
A most sincere thank you to the many supporters who helped make the sculpture court a reality: Larry and Liane Stillman family, Cedar Band Corporation, Cedar Livestock and Heritage Festival, Friends of SUMA, Iron County, Southern Utah University, Allan Houser Foundation, and Donna Law. We are also grateful to SUU Facilities for their efforts to beautifully maintain the sculpture court.
Graphic Design: From the Classroom to the Museum
In this episode, we sit down with SUMA’s Graphic Designers, DJ Wilson and Emily Loertscher. Our discussion focuses on how our team plays a big role in creating work for SUMA that you see in our exhibitions, events, promotions, and more. You will hear about what our students are learning in the classroom at Southern Utah University, and how they apply it to the work they do at the museum.
Our hope is that after listening to this episode, you’ll have a new appreciation for the work that our designers do everyday. Next time you come to the museum take time to notice the design work.
Accessibility Efforts at SUMA
Making a museum accessible has become a popular topic of discussion throughout museums worldwide. In this episode, we share the varied accessibility efforts being made at SUMA. Our very own Alyssa Thomas, SUMA’s Coordinator of Visitor Experience, has done great work making our space more welcoming and inclusive for all visitors. Alyssa shares the importance of continuous advocacy for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which faced national legislative opposition in 2018, however, did not get enough votes to pass.
Join our host, Emily Ronquillo, and Alyssa, as they also discuss 'Breaking Barriers', a state-wide accessibility training in Utah (provided by the Utah Division of Arts and Museums), and why accessibility should be at the forefront of our efforts at SUMA.
We found the following articles to add additional context to our conversation. We’ve also included a link for information about the Utah Division of Arts and Museums training 'Breaking Barriers':
MuseumNext: Making Museums Accessible to Those With Disabilities
American Alliance of Museums: Museum Accessibility: An Art and a Science
NPR: The ADA was a victory for the disabled community, but we need more. My life shows why
Audio Guide: L. Robert Gardner, Architect: Cedar City Mid-Century Modern
Learn more about the exhibition, L. Robert Gardner Architect: Cedar City Mid-Century Modern, by listening to this audio guide by curator, Dr. Becky Bloom.
L. Robert Gardner Architect: Cedar City Mid-Century Modern is on exhibition at Southern Utah Museum of Art through March 2, 2024.
Audio Guide –
Introduction - 00:00.00 - 00:49.146
L. Robert Gardner, Architect - 00:50.056 - 02:53.506
A Modernist Campus - 02:56.115 - 05:19.970
Gardner’s Mid-century Modern Homes - 05.23.814 - 07:47.808
Thank You for Visiting - 07:48.000
Audio Guide: BRUTAL DC
Follow along with SUMA’s Director of Curatorial Affairs, Dr. Becky Bloom, as she guides visitors through the exhibition BRUTAL DC, guest curated by Dr. Angela Person and photographer Ty Cole.
BRUTAL DC is on exhibition at Southern Utah Museum of Art through March 2, 2023.
Audio Guide –
Welcome and Introduction - 00:00.00 - 00:55.127
What is Brutalism? - 0:55.799 - 03:25.007
Explore the Timeline - 03:26.284 - 03:39.681
BRUTAL DC, Past Present and Future - 03:41.374 - 06:58.149
Weaver Building - 06:59.996 - 09:59.991
Lauinger Library - 10:00.994 - 12:37.481
Forrestal Building - 12:37.983 - 15:22.082
Euram Building - 15:23.819 - 18:21.706
FBI Headquarters - 18:23.479 - 21:12.013
Hirshhorn Museum - 21:14.240 - 23:56.704
DC Metro - 23:59.227 - 26:48.625
Humphrey Building - 26:49.368 - 29:07.364
Thank You for Visiting - 29:08.429
Can Brutalism Bring Artists, Architects, and Engineers Together?
Why would we want to discuss brutalism and mid-century modern architecture with an architect and two engineers? Because we believe in learning about approaching art and design from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. Brutalism seemed like a perfect fit for us to bring in experts and find where connections could be found and also how we see art differently. Our hope is that listeners will be inspired to step outside their comfort zones and start having discussions of their own with people with different perspectives and expertise. We all walked away from our discussion with broader understandings of brutalism, and hopefully, you will too.
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Becky Bloom, Assistant Director of Curatorial Affairs at SUMA, Dr. Matthew Roberts SUU Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Computational Sciences, Mark Harris Structural Engineer and Senior Principal with Reaveley Engineers, and Chad Neilson CEO, Design Principal, MHTN Architects.
Printmaking: Deep Dive into SUMA’s Print Collection
Southern Utah University Art History student Becca Hughes joins Dr. Becky Bloom and Emily Ronquillo to discuss her undergraduate internship in which she created an online exhibition of prints in SUMA’s collection. During her research, Becca was surprised to find some of the prints were frauds while others had authenticated provenance. Becca also discovered some artists who made it problematic for collectors to ensure they were purchasing authentic prints. Dr. Bloom agreed that printmaking is a medium that is easily forged, especially lithography.
This episode is perfect for those curious about the process of printmaking and collecting. Dr. Bloom and Becca provide some helpful tips for collectors to ensure the print they are purchasing is not a fraud.
For more information about printmaking techniques and processes:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Britannica - Printmaking, Etching, Engraving, Relief
View Becca’s exhibition The Printmaking Renaissance: 19th and 20th Century Prints by Prominent Artists on SUMAs CatalogIt HUB.
Inspirations of Aïsha Lehmann
Southern Utah Museum of Art Director of Curatorial Affairs, Dr. Becky Bloom, sat down to talk with special guest artist, Aïsha Lehmann. Their conversation included talking about Aïsha's style of art, inspirations, sociological connections, the current educational path she has chosen, and finally advice to rising artists. Aïsha’s work, ‘Imprint’ is featured in the summer exhibition A Dream Deferred: New Perspectives on Black Experience. You can view her work by visiting SUMA through September 23, 2023.
Audio Guide: A Dream Deferred: New Perspectives on Black Experience
Description
Learn more about the exhibition A Dream Deferred: New Perspectives on Black Experience in this audio guide read by curator Dr. Becky Bloom.
A Dream Deferred: New Perspectives on Black Experience in the Work of Aïsha Lehmann and Vital Shell is on exhibition at Southern Utah Museum of Art through September 23rd, 2023.
Audio Guide –
Introduction and Background Information - 00:00.00 - 02:52.160
Vitus Shell’s Ice Cream Man Series - 02:53.159 - 06:05.457
Aïsha Lehmann. Imprint Series, 2023 - 06:07.343 - 09:49.618
Imprint (Part I): Segregated - 09:51.326 - 11:59.179
Imprint (Part II): Outcomes - 12:00.628 - 14:49.901
Imprint (Part III): Home - 14:51.126 – 16:53.283
Understanding Privilege: A Community-generated Visualization - 16:54.950– 19:20.898
Credits - 19:22.370 - 19:52.685
Audio Guide: Lennart Anderson: A Retrospective
Description
Learn more about the exhibition Lennart Anderson: A Retrospective in this audio guide read by guest curator Randall Cabe.
Lennart Anderson: A Retrospective is on exhibition at Southern Utah Museum of Art through September 23rd, 2023.
Audio Guide –
Welcome and Background Information - 00:00.00 - 01:36.708
Introduction - 01:38.748 - 05:15.314
Still Life - 05:16.111 - 06:34.368
Portraits - 06:35.801 - 08:15.636
Street Scenes - 08:16.636 - 09:48.228
Idyllic Landscape - 09:49.766 - 11:03.097
Rome - 11:04.675 - 12:35.417
Credits - 12:37.149 - 13:26.828
Audioguía: Español: ¿!¿Tomaste nuestra realidad y la convertiste en un juego¿!¿
Más información sobre la exposición,‘¿!¿Tomaste nuestra realidad y la convertiste en un juego¿!¿’ en esta audioguía ofrecida en español.
¿!¿Tomaste nuestra realidad y la convertiste en un juego¿!¿ están en exhibición en el Museo de Arte del Sur de Utah hasta el 23 de septiembre de 2023.
- Introducción – 0:00.00 – 00:46.551
- ¿!¿Tomaste nuestra realidad y la convertiste en un juego¿!¿ 00:49.718 - 2:40.106
- Crosser™ & La Migra™ son juegos – 2:44.247 – 4:45.796
- Crosser™ & La Migra™ son arte – 4:47.926 – 6:07.895
- Crosser™ & La Migra™ son comentario politico – 6:11.321 – 7:37.384
- Crosser™ & La Migra™ son politicamente incorrectos – 7:40.000 - 9:21.171
- Créditos – 9:23.884 - 10:32.458
Audio Guide English: YOU MADE OUR REALITY INTO A GAME?!?!
Learn more about the exhibition YOU MADE OUR REALITY INTO A GAME?!?! Pixels, Politics, and Play with Rafael Fajardo in this audio guide offered in English.
YOU MADE OUR REALITY INTO A GAME?!?! Pixels, Politics, and Play with Rafael Fajardo is on exhibition at Southern Utah Museum of Art through September 23rd, 2023.
- Introduction - 0:00.00 - 0:32.806
- “You have taken our reality and made it into a game!?!?” – 0:33.985 – 1:46.965
- Crosser™ & La Migra™ are games – 1:48.794 – 3:11.283
- Crosser™ & La Migra™ are art – 3:13.871 – 4:07.270
- Crosser™ & La Migra™ are political commentary – 4:09.506 – 5:06.042
- Crosser™ & La Migra™ are not politically correct – 5:07.833 – 6:19.025
- Credits – 6:21.034 – 7:17.119
Inspirations of Vitus Shell
Southern Utah Museum of Art Manager of Marketing and Communications, Emily Ronquillo and Dr. Becky Bloom, SUMA’s Assistant Director of Curatorial Affairs, sit down and to talk with special guest and artist, Vitus Shell. We talk with Vitus Shell about his education, style of art, inspirations, advice to rising artists, and some artworks that are featured in the summer exhibition A Dream Deferred: New Perspectives on Black Experience. You can view his work by visiting SUMA through September 23, 2023.
An Investigation of Japanese Woodblock Prints
Southern Utah Museum of Art Manager of Marketing and Communications, Emily Ronquillo, sits down with Dr. Becky Bloom, Assistant Director of Curatorial Affairs at SUMA, and museum associate and previous intern, Courtney Blue, to talk about the second online exhibition Courtney was able to curate, Souvenirs of the Floating World: Japanese Woodblock Prints. Listen to learn about the history and process of creating these historic tools. To view the online exhibition of the Japanese Woodblock Prints visit Catalogit.
The Psychedelic Art Behind Rock and Roll Posters
Southern Utah Museum of Art Manager of Marketing and Communications, Emily Ronquillo, sits down with Dr. Becky Bloom, Assistant Director of Curatorial Affairs at SUMA, and museum associate and previous intern, Courtney Blue, to talk about the online exhibition, Psychedelia: The Art of the Fillmore West that Courtney was able to curate during her internship at SUMA. We discuss various attributes of posters from the 1960s and 70s and the artists behind them. To view the online exhibition of these rock and roll posters, visit Catalogit.
An Inside Look to an Intern’s Experience at SUMA
This is a three-part episode where Southern Utah Museum of Art Manager of Marketing and Communications, Emily Ronquillo, meets with Dr. Becky Bloom, Assistant Director of Curatorial Affairs at SUMA, and museum associate, Courtney Blue. In this episode, we discuss how to get involved with SUMA internships and the projects of curating a digital collection that Courtney was able to complete during her time as an intern in the collections department. Learn more about SUMA internships by visiting our website and more about curated online exhibitions by visiting Catalogit.
Q&A with Joseph DeLappe
In this special episode, Dr. Becky Bloom, SUMA Assistant Director - Curatorial Affairs, hosts a Q&A with artist Joseph DeLappe during the special Friends of SUMA preview hour for the opening of Resistance, Memory, and Play.
In this episode, we learn about DeLappe's background, the motivations behind his work, and get an inside look into various artworks in the exhibition on display through December 23, 2022.
To learn more about how you can become a Friends of SUMA member to get invites to exclusive events, programs, and discounts while supporting the museum, visit go.suu.edu/friends
Meet SUMA's Preparators
Southern Utah Museum of Art Manager of Marketing and Communication Emily Ronquillo chats with SUMA Coordinator of Exhibitions Mallory Sanders and SUMA Preparator James Culbertson about their conceptual exhibition The Art of the Preparator.
The group talks about what a preparator is, their favorite moments of planning the exhibition, what it’s like being an artist and exhibition designer, and their advice for future preparators.
The Art of the Preparator is on exhibition at SUMA from June 4 through September 24, 2022.
The Space Between: Visions of the Southwest
Southern Utah Museum of Art Manager of Marketing & Communication Emily Ronquillo, invites volunteer Joanne Brattain to ask questions about abstract and modern art in connection to The Space Between: Visions of the Southwest. SUMA’s Assistant Director of Curatorial Affairs, Becky Bloom, Ph.D. gives more insight about the artists exhibited, how to understand and appreciate abstract art, and the connections between SUMA’s two main summer exhibitions The Space Between and I’m Walkin’ For My Freedom.
The Space Between: Visions of the Southwest is on exhibition at SUMA from June 4 through September 24, 2022, and features the work of Beatrice Mandelman, Louis Ribak, Shalee Cooper, and Arlo Namingha.
More information about The Space Between including the learning guide referenced in this episode can be found on SUMA's website.
What is Jeanne Jo Doing Here?
SUMA Executive Director, Jessica Kinsey, and Manager of Marketing & Communication, Emily Ronquillo sit down with filmmaker Jeanne Jo to talk about her exhibition What Am I Doing Here? on view at SUMA June 4 through September 24, 2022.
The group talks about the 17 films starring Jeanne, directed by her friends and colleagues. This brings up topics of art in Hollywood versus art in museums, addressing difficult topics using humor, and advice for future filmmakers.
Thank you to Jeanne's collaborators on this exhibition: Alan Michnoff, Auden Bui, Camille Shooshani, Christine Serchia, Clementine Leger, Fangs Liu, Harris McCabe, Jamari Perry, Kate Stayman-London, Kim Ford and Jake Greene, Leandro Tadashi, Michael Kellman, Michael Schatz, and Oates Wu.
TAMPOON - a short horror/comedy film
Developing the Next Generation of Museum Professionals
SUMA Manager of Marketing & Communication Emily Ronquillo sits down with SUMA Assistant Director, Museum Operations Kari Heaps about working at an art museum. Southern Utah Museum of Art has a unique model of working with mostly student employees to rotate the gallery, plan programs and events, and market the museum.
Emily and Kari talk about what sets SUMA apart from other museums through its focus on students, the history of SUMA and the Braithwaite Fine Art Gallery, and how students can start their museum careers.
SUMA Sidekicks: How SUMA Engages with SUU Students
Southern Utah Museum of Art Manager of Marketing and Communication Emily Ronquillo chats with Maren Holmes, Campus Engagement Associate, and Courtney Blue, Museum Associate and SUMA Sidekick member about how SUMA engages with students at Southern Utah University.
The trio talks about the evolution and future of the museum's membership program SUMA Sidekicks, getting on TikTok and venturing into Pinterest. This episode gives insight on ways the museum is engaging with college students at large and the role of student employees.
SUMA Sidekicks is a free membership program open to students at SUU and Southwest Tech. Sidekicks earn prizes for visiting the museum, bringing friends, and attending events. More information about the program and how to sign up is available at go.suu.edu/sumasidekicks.
The Man, The Myth, The Legend...Billy Schenck
Southern Utah Museum of Art Executive Director Jessica Kinsey invites artist Billy Schenck into the podcast studio to talk about his 50+ year career, his connection to Andy Warhol, his advice for art students, and even his favorite Western movies. This episode was recorded as part of the exhibition "Billy Schenck: Myth of the West," a retrospective of works from Billy's permanent collection on view at SUMA through March 19, 2022, and his first-ever all-landscape exhibition, "Schenck's Utah: A Land Less Traveled" at Modern West Fine Art in Salt Lake City through March 21, 2022.
Billy Schenck is a contemporary artist with work in more than 40 museum and corporate collections. His subject matter spans genres from Western landscape to cowboy pop. He is a World Champion Ranch Sorting winner and the proprietor of the Double Standard Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, his home for the past two decades.
You can find more information about Billy's exhibition alongside "Andy Warhol: Cowboys and Indians" at go.suu.edu/westernpop. You can find more information about BIlly at billyschenck.com and on Instagram @billyschenckart.
SUMA Observations and Conversations in produced in partnership with SUU News.
Andy Warhol: Cowboys and Indians / Billy Schenck: Myth of the West Audio Guide (Spanish)
Learn more about "Andy Warhol: Cowboys and Indians" and "Billy Schenck: Myth of the West" in this audio guide offered in Spanish.
"Andy Warhol: Cowboys and Indians" and "Billy Schenck: Myth of the West" are on exhibition at Southern Utah Museum of Art through March 19, 2022.
Featured Artwork: "The Last Sunset" by Billy Schenck, 2016
Andy Warhol: Cowboys and Indians / Billy Schenck: Myth of the West Audio Guide (English)
Learn more about "Andy Warhol: Cowboys and Indians" and "Billy Schenck: Myth of the West" in this audio guide offered in English.
"Andy Warhol: Cowboys and Indians" and "Billy Schenck: Myth of the West" are on exhibition at Southern Utah Museum of Art through March 19, 2022.
Featured Artwork: "The Last Sunset" by Billy Schenck, 2016
Andy Warhol's Impact on Art History with Dr. Andy Kent-Marvick
Southern Utah Museum of Art Manager of Marketing and Communication, Emily Ronquillo, and Registrar, Emily Moyle talk with artist and art historian, Dr. Andrew Kent-Marvick about Andy Warhol in anticipation of SUMA's exhibition "Andy Warhol: Cowboys and Indians" on view through March 19, 2022.
Andy Warhol was the undisputed leader of American Pop Art, a movement characterized by artists' use of household items, advertising images, and other "low" art forms, and commercial printing techniques in an effort to democratize art. Warhol had a tremendous gift for understanding the myths of the Baby Boomer generation. His ability to identify images that expressed the essence of the Boomers can be seen in his early work in the 1960s, including Soup Cans and the Elvis Presley series.
SUMA Observations and Conversations is produced in partnership with SUU News.
This Earth: Michael Dax Iacovone
In this episode, Southern Utah Museum of Art Marketing Manager Emily Ronquillo and This Earth co-curator Hikmet Sidney Loe interview artist Michael Dax Iacovone. We discuss his work, Tracing the Arc of the Solstice, his process and how he learned geometry to make art, and connectedness and solitude during the retreat.
This episode was recorded during the opening weekend of the exhibition.
This Earth: Notes and Observations by Montello Foundation Artists is on view at SUMA through December 23, 2021.
This Earth: Miho Suzuki
In this episode, Southern Utah Museum of Art Marketing Manager Emily Ronquillo and This Earth co-curator Hikmet Sidney Loe interview artist Miho Suzuki. We discuss her works in the exhibition, Animal Friends, her experience at The Montello Foundation, how it compares to other artist residency programs, and her time in Utah and the American West.
This episode was recorded on October 15, right before the opening reception of This Earth.
This Earth: Notes and Observations by Montello Foundation Artists is on view at SUMA through December 23, 2021.
This Earth: Stefan Hagen & Patricia Watwood
The deserts of Nevada and Utah have been potent landscapes for artists to render since first traversing these regions. Drawn to vast vistas, unique flora and fauna, and the subtle changes in geographic proportions and colors, there are extensive interpretations of nature and its meaning.
In this episode, Southern Utah Museum of Art Marketing Manager Emily Ronquillo and This Earth co-curator Hikmet Sidney Loe interview Montello Foundation Founder/Director Stefan Hagen and artist Patricia Watwood. We explore the mission behind The Montello Foundation, what it is like to be alone in the deserts of the Great Basin, and learn more about the exhibition at SUMA.
This Earth: Notes and Observations by Montello Foundation Artists is on view at SUMA through December 23, 2021.
This Earth Audio Guide: Spanish
Hear about This Earth: Notes and Observations by Montello Foundation Artists in this audio guide offered in Spanish.
This Earth Audio Guide: English
Hear about This Earth: Notes and Observations by Montello Foundation Artists in this audio guide.
Stewart Seidman's Places
Southern Utah Museum of Art Director/Curator Jessica Kinsey sits down with artist Stewart Seidman to talk about his paintings based on places. In this episode, the pair talk about places Stewart has lived like New York City and Utah and places he's visited like Sicily, Italy and Holland.
Observations: People and Stories Visualized by Stewart Seidman is on exhibition at SUMA from May 8 through July 10, 2021.
Stewart Seidman Talks Politics
Southern Utah Museum of Art Director/Curator Jessica Kinsey sits down with artist Stewart Seidman to talk about his political paintings. In this episode, the pair don't shy away from talking about Black Lives Matter, gun control, former President Trump, and political divisiveness. The thoughtful conversation challenges listeners and museum visitors to stop and listen to new perspectives with the goal of understanding.
Observations: People and Stories Visualized by Stewart Seidman is on exhibition at SUMA from May 8 through July 10, 2021.
Stewart Seidman's Cultural Icons
Southern Utah Museum of Art Director/Curator Jessica Kinsey sits down with artist Stewart Seidman to talk about his cultural icons series of paintings. In this episode, the pair talk about how Stewart's cultural icons spark conversations, how he met Andy Warhol, who is absent from the table in his piece "A Very Special Thanksgiving," and about a work in progress featuring the Pope and the Ayatollah.
Observations: People and Stories Visualized by Stewart Seidman is on exhibition at SUMA from May 8 through July 10, 2021.
Stewart Seidman's FedEx Series
Southern Utah Museum of Art Director/Curator Jessica Kinsey sits down with artist Stewart Seidman. In this episode, the pair talk about how FedEx envelopes became artist palettes that later became his signature surface for new works.
Observations: People and Stories Visualized by Stewart Seidman is on exhibition at SUMA from May 8 through July 10, 2021.
About Stewart Seidman
Southern Utah Museum of Art Director/Curator Jessica Kinsey sits down with artist Stewart Seidman. In this episode, the pair talk about his upbringing, his career in advertising, and other pivotal moments that led him to his retirement in St. George, Utah.
Observations: People and Stories Visualized by Stewart Seidman is on exhibition at SUMA from May 8 through July 10, 2021.