Exhibit Development

How is it that so many great exhibits get their start on cocktail napkins and are later developed in windowless rooms with bad lighting? I’m not sure, but I’m glad I don’t take many photos during that phase. Exhibit development encompasses everything from the cocktail napkin to the opening party. Often my clients need someone dedicated to the project or perhaps someone to fill a specific role. Sometimes they don’t know where to begin at all!

My work can include defining and researching the subject, audience research, developing the themes, working with designers to rough in and refine the plan, selecting objects and photos, developing the graphics package, planning and developing interactives and media, planning educational programs, writing labels and captions, testing and evaluating prototypes, and even managing the whole project if necessary.

What do you need? Whether you’re a museum, a design firm, a non-profit, a small business or a big company, contact me. I can help.

Below are just a few examples of my dozens of exhibit projects.

Applewood—The C.S. Mott Estate

Multiple projects for Applewood—The Charles Stewart Mott Estate in Flint, Michigan included an exhibit in the historic garage, outdoor interpretive panels, new house and grounds tours, a new web site, a virtual tour developed for the web site and the garage exhibit, and introductory video as well as an exhibit on the history of the Mott family … Continue reading Applewood—The C.S. Mott Estate

Driving America, The Henry Ford

This exhibit explores how the automobile shaped and was shaped by Americans across 150 years of history and 80,000 square feet of cars, trucks, horsedrawn vehicles, roadside signs and buildings, and countless small objects, photos, and stories. Initially hired to develop a style guide and edit labels written by six different curators, my work for … Continue reading Driving America, The Henry Ford

The Les Paul Big Sound Experience, Les Paul Foundation

This project was a joy. Working with MRA Experiential Tours, I conducted research, helped develop concepts, and scripted the Les Paul Foundation’s mobile trailer exhibit honoring this amazing musician’s musical and technical innovations in honor of his 100th birthday. The Les Paul Big Sound Experience launched in Times Square in New York City in June 2015 and traveled … Continue reading The Les Paul Big Sound Experience, Les Paul Foundation