“The Staff “Artists who work for the MFAH
By Darla Barolini
Contact info: [email protected]                              Phone: 9146453994
 
Short Summary:


The Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) is replete with approximately 70,000 engaging and inspiring works of art. Yet, did you know that among the staff behind the scenes there is a plethora of talented artists in their own right?  
The Staff book project is meant to showcase all of the talented artists who make the museum run! The books include the artwork of staff working in retail, maintenance, guest services, marketing, development and more. Going forward, the objective is to create catalog publications that showcase artist working for other art museums in the Houston Area. In all, highlighting the talent within the Houston Community. If you are and artist and work for an art museum in the HOUSTON AREA, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] for more information

Long Description:
While working at MFAH, I’ve had the privilege of meeting several talented artists working within various departments of the museum. In 2020 I decided to create a book project titled, “The Staff: Artists who work for the MFAH.” I compiled artwork from 20-50+ artists working in retail, membership, maintenance, development and many other departments. With the help from the marketing department, I was able to reach various other artists who then in turn, reached out to me and asked to be included in another edition. As more people became interested in the book, the project started to grow and it was apparent that there were very many talented artists who worked for the Museum.
Even though the project is sold in the MFA Shop, it is a nonprofit publication. Any extra profits go to the museum. In FACT, the publishing is paid for out of pocket and reimbursed later by the Museum shop. The overall goal of the project is to showcase the amount of talent there is in the Houston community.
The project was inspired by Rafael Alvarez who worked in the maintenance department at the museum. One day he was showing me his glass mosaics and I thought someone should create a book about his art. Later that year, while working in the gift shop I started to notice all my coworkers were artists, myself included. I proposed the idea to my contemporaries and then started the research process.
 
What is the goal of the project?
The goal of the publication is to demonstrate the diversity artistically and socially found within the museums departments. Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United Sates and people from different countries and cultures come to work for the Museum. It’s evident that these different life experiences shape their creativity and the artwork they produce. The Staff Book is in many ways a grass roots publication. Inspired by those who have worked for the museum for many years and have a passion for making art. Those who participate in the project are often very pleased with showing their work to a broader audience. People who come to the museum are art lovers, but they don’t always realize those who work for the museum are just as enthusiastic about art.
When I started this project I learned really quickly not to judge a book by its cover, staff who I thought were not artists would approach me constantly and ask how to feature their work in the catalog. I was always blown away and pleasantly surprised by just how many people made art. Creativity is innate in human beings and when they have the opportunity, often people will jump at the chance to be creative. This publication allows people to show a broader audience what they have been working on in their private lives. Many people who work for the Menil Collection have a connection to the CAM and as well MFAH. This is why I would like to broaden my project and research, so that I can dive a little deeper into the lives of the working artist.
 
How do people know to apply?
Like with the MFAH Staff catalog I create a call for art document. This document is then distributed around the museum, as well as shared on social media sites and newsletters. The letter states clearly who is qualified to submit work and what is required when submitting work. Interested employees must then give me the rights to use their artwork in a book. At any time if someone feels uncomfortable with submitting their artwork they can choose not to participate in the project.