So Tuesday Museums in Hand took a huge step forward with our pilot project and had our first day of filming. Thanks to the amazing work from Jenny Butkus, Gene Weiss, and the entire MIH filming and photography staff we are well on our way to a great project! With permission (of course) from the curatorial staff we were able to interview and document them as they carefully measured, mounted, dusted and framed a beautiful painting for the upcoming Dia de los Muertos show. As they worked they explained to us the lengthy and detailed process that goes into the development and execution of a museum exhibit. Beginning with the theme development and a preliminary selection of work from their permanent collection, the work continues as the curators research and reach out to museums near and far to collaborate and secure loans to further flesh-out their vision. Once the final selections are made, the physical set up begins. The paper handling that we were privy to and the building of the room and finally the hanging and display of the final work. We were also lucky enough to get a preview into the themes and key pieces of the 2012 show, but we’ll keep those under our hats for now- no spoilers today. All I’ll say for now is that there is such remarkably far-reaching cross-section of Mexican and Mexican American art at the NMMA that the final exhibit will be truly remarkable. So next time you are walking through a show, take a minute to think about all the behind the scenes work, both physical and mental that went into creating that final story for your enjoyment and enrichment.