Alana Tessman Post #1

It's been an eventful week so far at the New Orleans Museum of Art, with the expansion to the sculpture garden opening on the first day of my internship (Tuesday). I chose this internship excited for this busy time as it's the culmination of years of designing and planning; it's been humbling to meet some of those involved and witness their dedication. After studying some of the different pieces in the expansion and familiarizing myself with the layout, I've been taking shifts directing visitors and answering questions among other tasks. I'm especially grateful to have met a variety of people, from docents to international guests experiencing the city. Everyone who works here is incredibly welcoming and you can feel the passion they have for what they do.
On my first day, my supervisor found that there were plenty of volunteers and as a result I had a bit of time with the museum to myself to explore (it was closed due to the opening). The vast amount of information and culture that NOMA provides for the public is astounding, I had never really been and wasn't aware of the resources right at my fingertips. They have everything from European Renaissance Art to 19th century Louisiana art to photography exhibitions. I especially loved some of the galleries on the third floor that contained art from Africa and Oceania.
Today I did more extensive research on a few of the pieces in the expansion (the information will be put in the volunteer manual), I loved getting to explore the different techniques used as well as the lives of the artists as each was entirely unique. I encourage everyone to come experience NOMA, it's really been eye opening for me!
The photo is of me and a volunteer I worked with in front of a mural in the expansion.