Michael Loop, preparator at the Art Museum of West Virginia University, will present a program about “FABRICation,” the traveling exhibition currently on view in the McGee Gallery, as the museum’s popular “Lunchtime Looks” program returns on Wednesday, Feb. 22.
“The Fabrication of FABRICation: A Museum Preparator’s Exhibit Guide,” presents an inside look into the installation of a museum exhibition. Looking specifically at two works in the exhibition whose installation posed challenges, Loop will discuss the kinds of questions, discussions and planning that take place behind-the-scenes and before an exhibition opens to the public.
The first piece, “Sympathy Falls” by Rachel Hayes, raises issues for installation in part due to its size. The second, “Verdant” by Susan Iverson, came with exact instructions for their installation and contained components that increased their vulnerability.
WVU students, faculty and staff and the general public are invited to bring a brown bag lunch to the Museum Education Center Grand Hall at noon and meet with other art enthusiasts to enjoy their midday meal. At 12:30 p.m., the group will move to the gallery for a 20-minute, in-depth look and audience members will have a chance to comment on the exhibit and ask questions about a preparator’s work.
The session will end by 12:50 p.m., so that those who need to get back to their offices will have plenty of time. Anyone who can’t get away for the entire hour is welcome to meet the group in the museum at 12:30 p.m. for just the art presentation.
Loop joined the Art Museum staff as preparator in 2015. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sculpture at WVU in 1998 and following graduation traveled around the United States assisting several artists including Albert Paley, Christopher Weed and Paul Knoblauch, gaining a multi-faceted understanding of material and process. Twelve years later, Michael returned to WVU and in 2013 received his master’s degree in sculpture. Loop has taught as an adjunct lecturer at WVU and Fairmont State University teaching foundations and sculpture art classes and handled preparator duties at the Mesaros Galleries at the Creative Arts Center prior to becoming the museum preparator.
The Art Museum and Museum Education Center are located near the corner of Patteson Drive and Morrill Way at the Evansdale Campus North Entrance.
Paid parking is available in short-term lots ST-1 and ST-9 near Patteson Drive and Evansdale Crossing.
For more information about the Lunchtime Looks program, contact the Art Museum of WVU at (304) 292-6825.