By Molly Olson, Media Coordinator Intern
This week, learn more about University Museums exhibit, Designed for a Modern Life, from Associate Curator Adrienne Gennett.
Can you tell me more about the Designed for A Modern Life Exhibition at the Christian Petersen Art Museum?
The exhibition, Designed for a Modern Life, is a wonderful collaboration between the Textiles and Clothing Museum and University Museums Christian Petersen Art Museum. The neighboring galleries have opened the interior door to allow visitors access to both spaces and have interspersed their collections throughout. The exhibition examines the mid-century period in America, from post-World War II through the 1960s, through the fashion and decorative arts of the time. Thematic focuses within the exhibition include the changing roles of women, the use of wartime innovations, mass design, Scandinavian design, and good design. Many of the works of art on exhibit were culled from both permanent collections, with select loans.
It is a fun and nostalgic examination of mid-century modern, a style and era that continues to gain popularity with contemporary designers, architects and collectors.
 |  Designed for a Modern Life peices. |
What types of renovations are taking place at the Brunnier Art Museum?
The two major renovations will be to permanent collection storage and the front entrance. The storage space has not changed since the opening of the museum in 1975 and as the years have passed, the collection has outgrown the available storage space. New compact shelving will help University Museums better store and maintain the permanent collection of decorative and fine arts.
The front entrance area will become a new spacious gallery, open to the rest of the museum space. An expanse of glass windows and door will make the space light, visible, and welcoming to visitors. Along with these projects a new HVAC system will help to better maintain optimal conditions needed for the proper storage and care of the collection.
Both projects will allow University Museums to better engage with the ISU and Ames community, while allowing for future growth and the ability to exhibit unique works of art.
When will it reopen?
The planned reopening is September 19, 2019, barring any construction delays.
A rendering of the Brunnier Art Museum, courtesy of University Museums.
In what ways can members of the Ames Community support University Museums?
The Ames Community can support through attendance of exhibitions and programming, donation of funds or support of exhibitions, donation of objects, and even becoming docents who help to give tours to the many ISU classes and outside community groups that come to campus.
Is there anything else you want the public to know about University Museums?
University Museums encompasses five different entities – the Brunnier Art Museum, the Christian Petersen Art Museum, the Farm House Museum, the Anderson Sculpture Garden, and the Art on Campus collection. Throughout the academic year and into the summer there are multiple exhibitions and diverse programming offered, all open to the public. While University Museums has a focus on the Iowa State campus community, our hope is to engage all of the greater Ames community with unique opportunities for learning and art experiences.
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