Taking advantage of our rotating exhibits, FWMoA staff from all departments are engaging with artwork they can’t stop thinking about. With galleries full of glass, paintings, bronzes, and more, we’ve posed the challenging question, “What’s your favorite artwork currently on display?”
Meet Kelsey Herber, our School Programs Associate! Having previously worked for FWMoA’s Security Team, Kelsey is recently back from Rome after obtaining her master’s degree in Art History. The newest member of the Education Department, she’s excited to visit schools and welcome student groups to the museum! Read about her current favorite work in the Glass Wing made by Vladimír Zbyňovský, Coulée Jaune.
Q: What drew you to this particular piece?
A: I was first drawn to this artwork by the light it reflects on the wall behind it. The shape of the reflection appears so casually gestural, yet must have been labored for on purpose by the artist. The ability of glass to create a secondary work of art elsewhere through its reflections is what draws me to the medium as a whole.
Q: Would you display this artwork in your home? Why or why not?
A: I would absolutely place this artwork in my home! In the sense of interior design, it’s aesthetically pleasing and could fit well in many different spaces. I would also love to look at it throughout the day as it reflects the sun’s changing height.
Q: What does this artwork mean to you?
A: I have always been a fan of art that employs nature, especially when the medium itself requires natural ingredients, as if to harken back to its most basic form. So for this artwork to utilize a large, raw-looking piece of granite as the base for its glass addition is quite satisfying to me. Additionally, the juxtaposition of the rough look of the natural granite in terms of shape and color with the smooth, clear appearance of the manmade glass blob really brings home the power of the piece to me. To me, this work of art speaks on the presence of manmade creations in the natural world. The name, Coulée Jaune, translates from French to Yellow Flow. This name pushes the idea of the unnatural flowing into the space of the natural, in my opinion. Overall, this piece is simply a satisfying work of art and pleasing to my eye!
Q: Why did you choose to work in an art museum?
A: My whole life has revolved around art, and after pursuing opportunities in various other artistic environments, I decided to finally pursue working in an art museum because it offers me the most broad range of engagement with the art world. Here, I can access artists, artwork, art education, people, and concepts I may never be able to in another setting.
Q: What kind of art (if any) do you have in your home?
A: I have very limited space at home, so I mainly own 2D artworks such as prints and paintings, but hope to build a more 3D collection as I gain more space.
Q: What has been your favorite exhibition at FWMoA during your employment? What exhibition are you looking forward to?
A: An exhibition that always stands out in my memory is the Skateboard exhibition from Spring 2022, its vast array of displayable objects keeping me engaged throughout its run. I am looking forward to seeing the detailed-oriented artwork of Joel Daniel Phillips at the end of 2026!
Visit FWMoA’s Glass Wing to see Kelsey’s favorite piece!