The Sheldon Museum of Art at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has opened a unique new exhibition that puts community members in the curator's chair. Taking inspiration from the iconic Husker chant "Go Big Red," the museum invited university staff, students, and community members with connections to Nebraska to select artwork from the museum's collection that prominently features the color red.
This innovative approach represents a departure from traditional museum curation practices. Rather than having professional curators select the pieces, the museum opened the process to the broader community, creating an inclusive and participatory exhibition experience. "It was really an invitation to community members to be an important, integral part of creating this exhibition, working together, building a sense of community," said Erin Hanas from the Sheldon Museum of Art.
Each community curator was asked to select one piece from the museum's permanent collection that featured red as a prominent element. Beyond simply choosing the artwork, participants were required to write a personal response explaining their selection and the reasoning behind their choice. This personal touch adds depth and individual perspective to each piece in the exhibition.
Among the community curators is Kevin Sjuts, Sports Director for 10/11 News, who chose a watermelon sculpture that evoked childhood memories for him. In his written response, Sjuts explained his selection by sharing a nostalgic reflection: "Each of us would grab a watermelon slice like it was a trophy. The anticipated watermelon feats were the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable day at the ballfield." His choice demonstrates how personal experiences and memories can create meaningful connections with art.
The exhibition features selections from notable figures within the University of Nebraska athletic community, including football coach Matt Rhule and volleyball coach John Cook, alongside contributions from various other community members. This diverse group of curators brings different perspectives and backgrounds to the exhibition, creating a rich tapestry of interpretations and personal connections to the artwork.
Museum officials hope the exhibition will encourage visitors to see familiar artworks in new ways and understand that everyone can have meaningful encounters with art. "We really hope that people will come in, maybe they will see something new in a work of art and really understand that everyone can have a meaningful encounter with a work of art and get a sense of this really wonderful rich community," Hanas explained.
The community-curated exhibition is currently open to the public and will remain on display through December 31, giving visitors ample opportunity to experience this unique collaborative approach to museum curation and discover how different community members connect with art through their personal lenses.
