Forums: First step in bringing museum to life

by Dave Jones
October 03, 2012

Development of the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art is progressing on two fronts: the structure itself, that is, what it will look like; and what goes on inside.

“By the end of this year we will have selected an architectural-contractor team and have a draft design,” said Rachel Teagle, museum director. Groundbreaking is set for 2014.

But the development process goes far beyond the architectural component.

“Developing the museum is defining our mission, building a facility, developing our educational and exhibition programming, building audiences,” Teagle said.

And, to do all that, she wants the public’s input — from the campus community and the wider community.

“Now is the time to be involved and help shape this important community resource,” she said. “We need to hear from all of our campus and civic communities. We want to hear your ideas and questions as well as how you think the museum can best serve you.”

Teagle will be listening at three upcoming forums — which she described as “the first step in an ongoing process to seek public participation in the life of our new museum.”

She said each forum will include a short presentation on the museum development process, followed by open discussion.

Here is the schedule:

Faculty and staff — 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, Nelson Gallery (in Nelson Hall)
Community — 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame, 303 Third St. (at B Street), Davis
Students — 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, Nelson Gallery

Teagle’s outreach effort included a PowerPoint presentation at last week’s Fall Convocation.

“Convocation was fantastic for me because of all the ideas I received. I've heard things like, ‘We really need to engage our senior community’ and ‘We should make the grounds a dog park.’ Or ‘How about a sculptural skate park?’”

Now she wants to hear more. “How can the museum serve community needs that are currently unmet? What are the strengths of our city that the museum may support?”