Nevada Museum of Art: Expansion, Research, and a Unique Clock – Transcript Summary
This transcript details recent developments at the Nevada Museum of Art, focusing on expansion, a new research center, and the unveiling of a unique artwork called “Centuries of the Bristlecone.” Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
1. New Research Center:
* The museum’s long-standing research initiative is now formalized into a dedicated center.
* The center is open to researchers globally, K-12 educators, and the general public.
* The museum emphasizes that research isn’t limited to academics; curiosity-driven inquiry is research at any age.
2. Gallery Expansion:
* The museum has more than doubled its gallery space to nearly 40,000 square feet.
* 50% of gallery space will be dedicated to showcasing the museum’s permanent collection, which has grown substantially in recent years.
* Recent major gifts, including a collection of 400 Native American baskets (Judith Lowry collection) and the Australian Aboriginal Art Collection (levy & Kaplan donation), are transforming the museum’s reputation.
3. “Centuries of the Bristlecone” Artwork:
* The artwork, conceived by Jonathan Keats, is a clock that displays time in both standard time and bristlecone pine tree time.
* It was meticulously crafted over 2.5 years by Phil Abernathy, Brittany nicole Cox, and Jason Iceman.
* Bristlecone pines are exceptionally old and resilient trees native to Nevada, growing at high elevations in harsh conditions.
* The artwork aims to encourage viewers to consider time on a different scale and to reflect on environmental stewardship.
4. Community Focus & Accessibility:
* The museum recognizes a need for increased visual arts exposure and education in the community.
* The museum strives to be welcoming and accessible to all, breaking down any sense of pretension.
Funding Acknowledgements:
* the segment was funded by sandy Raffealli with Bill Pearce Motors, Heidemarie Rochlin, Sue McDowell (in memory), the Carol Franc Buck Foundation, and PBS reno members.
