Here at the David Owsley Museum of Art, we see an array of visitors on a daily basis. In the past, we have interviewed some of our visitors as they walked the galleries to hear their thoughts on what they enjoy about visiting the museum. The visitors who pass through our doors are diverse in terms of age and prior knowledge about art.  For many, the David Owsley Museum of Art is the first art museum they have experienced.  For others, visiting museums is a regular activity.  Regardless of their familiarity with art, everyone comes to the museum and finds works of art that they connect to and find meaning.

Similarly, our museum guards come from a variety of backgrounds, but they have spent a large amount of time walking the galleries, assisting visitors, and ensuring the safety of the building. If you have visited DOMA before, you have probably seen the guards in their red shirts when you enter the building. Because the guards spend so much time walking through the galleries and looking at objects within our collection, I thought it might be interesting to chat with several of them about their favorite works of art in the museum.

Josh Harshman, Graduate student of History

Under the Trees I (Sous-Bois I), 1906

Andre Lhote

oil on canvas

Josh discovered this particular painting on his first day of work last May and it has since become a favorite of his.  Josh appreciates “the aesthetic of the bright, bold, and vibrant colors.”

Jacob (Jake) Giorgio, Sophomore Criminal Justice student

Swan Engraving IV, 1982

Frank Stella

intaglio and relief printing on handmade paper

This work, which was just recently installed, attracted Jacob because of the use of black and white. He was intrigued by the “50 different materials on plywood that is printed.” “There seems to be no rhyme or reason,” observes Jacob.

Sulaiman Nooristani, Sophomore Accounting and Information Systems student

Amida Buddha, 1680

bronze

Sulaiman appreciates this sculpture for its rich history, as well as the tradition of putting money in front of the sculpture for good luck. The inscriptions on the back also interest Sulaiman.

Nick Wilsey, Sophomore Computer Technology student

A Young Woman from Thebes Tending Her Wounded Father, 1809

Befort

oil on canvas

Nick calls this work of art “a masterpiece” because he enjoys the use of lighting, both in the landscape and in the young woman’s eyes.

Courtney Pienta, Senior Apparel Design student

Portia Receiving the Prince of Aragon, late 1800s to early 1900s

Georges Jules Victor Clairin

Courtney’s major and prior studies led her to appreciate this painting. “As a fashion major, I’m drawn to the details of the garments and the fashion (shown).”

After interviewing the guards about what they enjoyed, it was evident that their differing experiences and education led them to choose works that felt relevant to them. What will you connect with when you visit us?