Exhibition Development Seminar Satement

Follies, Predicaments, and Other Conundrums: The Works of Laure Drogoul is an exhibition conceived by its curator, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) Exhibitions Department Director Gerald Ross, to present the works of Baltimore artist and MICA alumna Laure Drogoul '81. The exhibition was organized and produced in partnership with students in the Exhibition Development Seminar (EDS) under the guidance of course instructor Glenn Shrum '08. EDS, a course founded in 1997 by the college's Curator-in-Residence George Ciscle, provides students with the opportunity to be involved in every aspect of a major exhibition, including research, planning, and production.

For the development of the exhibition, EDS was sequenced in two consecutive semesters (Fall 2008 and Spring 2009). Eighteen students from MICA's undergraduate and graduate programs, Continuing Studies program and Towson University, began researching and planning the exhibition in the Fall of 2008. Early in the semester, the class split into six teams and began developing specific elements of the project. Teams included: Curatorial, Education, Exhibition Design, Graphic Design, Web Development, and Project Coordination.

Each of these teams assumed a number of responsibilities. The Curatorial team worked closely with Ross and Drogoul to select the artwork included in the exhibition. The Education team determined target audiences for the exhibition and planned a variety of public programs. The placement of work, lighting, and design of appropriate environments was the responsibility of the Exhibition Design team. The Graphic Design team produced the visual identity for the exhibition and designed the associated print materials. The Web Development team coordinated the layout and execution of the website and blog. The Project Coordinators established the class agenda, coordinated deadlines, and facilitated communication with MICA administration.

Drogoul's openness and hospitality allowed students to spend time directly connecting with the artist while learning about her life and her work. The development of Follies, Predicaments, and Other Conundrums: The Works of Laure Drogoul serves as valuable experience for EDS students, who worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition.