SUMA Observations & Conversations Southern Utah Museum of Art

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!

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. 

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.

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

Utah Division of Arts and Museums: Breaking Barriers

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 

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