Twenty-five years ago, MICA’s first Exhibition Development Seminar (EDS) organized a landmark retrospective of Elizabeth Talford Scott’s vibrant mixed-media fiber works that brought significant recognition to the artist and modeled innovative community-centered approaches to curation and interpretation. This fall, MICA, the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA), and the Estate of Elizabeth Talford Scott at Goya Contemporary build upon that legacy with an exhibition guest-curated by MICA Curator-in-Residence Emeritus George Ciscle in dialogue with a new generation of EDS students.
Borrowing the same title as the original exhibition, Eyewinkers, Tumbleturds and Candlebugs: The Art of Elizabeth Talford Scott will be on view November 12, 2023, through April 28, 2024, at the BMA and will feature 20 stunning works by the artist that bridge the gap between fine art and craft.
Guided by faculty Deyane Moses ’19 ’21 (Photography BFA, Curatorial Practice MFA), EDS students will also lead the organization of the Elizabeth Talford Scott Community Celebration, which will include presentations of her work at eight other institutions that have a significant history with the artist and/or EDS. The event brings together five museums and four university sites across Baltimore City including Cryor Art Gallery at Coppin State University, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland Center for History and Culture, MICA, James E. Lewis Museum of Art at Morgan State University, The Peale, Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, and the Walters Art Museum.
Two EDS students from the participating colleges will work at each venue, planning a presentation of Talford Scott’s work for their gallery spaces and organizing a free public program. With Moses’ support, the students will determine the curatorial direction of their presentation, drawing out connections to each organization’s collection, space, history, and/or audience. A companion video will provide background on the artist’s life and work as well as information about each of the community partners.