COVID-19 has turned the world upside down, and the Beach Museum of Art inside out.
The museum revealed an “Inside Out” window exhibition where art can now be experienced from outside its grand windows all hours of the day.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the museum to temporarily close to the public, exhibitions designer Luke Dempsey raised the idea of putting art in the windows, Linda Duke, director of the Beach Museum, said in an email.
“I loved the idea immediately, as did several staff members,” Duke said.
Duke also credited exhibition designer and building systems lead Lindsay Smith who “took on with enthusiasm the role of curator and designer of the installation.”
Through the hard work of the staff, this idea is now a reality. However, if you plan to see what’s currently on display, don’t put it off too long.
“[Smith] continues to work on new ideas, as some of the window displays will change over the next few weeks,” Duke said.
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Though most past exhibitions have been limited by the museum’s normal business hours, these lit-up window exhibits can also be seen at night.
The staff also posted signs that provide details on the artwork displayed, including links to more information via Smartify, a free phone app available on the Apple and Google Play Store.
Camryn Willett, senior in marketing, said the new way to experience the museum is exciting.
“I think it’s super cool that you can walk around outside the museum so you can feel safe during this pandemic,” Willett said. “I can’t wait to go back at night with my friends and see the artwork lit up at night. It looked cool on the video I saw online, but it has to be better in person.”
Raley Miller, senior in agricultural business, said it was a “smart move,” if a bit overly cautious.
“Even though I’m not the biggest art consumer there is, I think it’s a smart move by the museum to make these displays available,” Miller said. “Even though shutting everything down seems to be overreacting, they adapted well and were able to keep people happy by displaying their art.”
