Blog @ the Nelson-Atkins

Hi! I’m Julia Stroud and I work in the prep department. I thought I’d tell you a little about the creation of the ushebti wall in the new Egyptian galleries.

First question, “What is the prep department?” The Preparation Department handles the artworks in the museum and in storage. We are responsible for installing and transporting artworks throughout the Museum, packing artworks which have been approved for travel, and safely storing artworks which remain in the museum and storage facility. Working with the conservation department, preparators produce mounts for objects and maintain proper packing and installation procedures.

Second question, “What is a ushebti?” According to Robert Cohon, Curator of Art of the Ancient World, “Before there were office temps, there were ‘ushebtis.’ Ushebtis – which means ‘responders’ – were meant to come to life and perform any labor that might be requested of the deceased in the hereafter. Not taking any changes, Meretites had 305.” Originally, we called them “shabtis” but that was later changed to the more appropriate ushebti.

Now, back to my story.

Down in the bottom level of the Bloch Building, the staff of the Spencer Art Reference Library is busy cataloging, shelving and researching the more than 155,000 volumes that live in the stacks.

One area that many public libraries don’t have is the book repair desk. This is where the books go with torn pages, broken spines or just generally need a little TLC.

Dawn Sanders is the Cataloger and Book Conservation Technician. She has worked in the Spencer Library for 14 years. She learned the trade of repairing books as an art student at Cooper Union in New York.

Check out the Nelson-Atkins fashionistas!

On Saturday, May 15, 2010, students (ages 13-18) put their creativity and fashion sense to the ultimate test during the Ford Learning Center’s workshop, Bloch the Runway. Taught by Kreshaun McKinney and Ashley Simons, the class viewed the featured photography exhibition, Edward Steichen—In High Fashion, to provide inspiration for designing their own unique, experimental garments.

The class loved the exhibition’s portrayal of “Old Hollywood Glamour” and several students referenced that style in their creations.

Following the tour, the class spent the remainder of the day constructing their outfits—including various accessories—out of wire, feathers, paint, tons of tulle, paper, recycled items and existing clothing.

Once it was “show time,” the adorned divas paraded their fashions in the Bloch lobby in front of their families and Museum visitors who were most impressed!

When asked how she enjoyed the class, student Sophia Seigfreid remarked, “This was an amazing experience that was very inspiring.”

Would you take the fashion design challenge?

By:Kreshaun McKinney