Kim Noonan BARRE RESIDENT KIM NOONAN LIVES THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. SHE GETS TO SURROUND HERSELF WITH ART WHILE MAKING ART IN HER ROLE AS GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER AT THE WORCESTER ART MUSEUM. WE RECENTLY CAUGHT UP WITH HER TO FIND OUT JUST WHAT BEING A WAM DESIGNER IS ALL ABOUT. catalogs, print/online ads) to outdoor graphics such as the banners on the front of the Museum.
Did you go to school to be a graphic designer or did your artistic sensibilities lead you to this position? I have a BFA
in Art Media from Syracuse University and in my junior year I studied painting and art history in Florence, Italy. My career began in the for-profit sector doing contract work for ad firms in San Francisco, then I returned to the east coast and became a senior designer for MediaConcepts, a firm in Assonet. I’ve always loved art and history, and have really great memories of visiting WAM when I was young— leading me here.
How do you brand Worcester Art Museum while simultaneously representing the art that you’re working with? It can definitely be a challenge to merge the brand of the Museum with the voice of an artist—but I find that by working closely with the artists and curators that we are able to create a strong visual identity for exhibitions that represents both.
What’s your favorite piece of art at the museum currently? There are over 3,500
How long have you worked at WAM?
pieces to choose from! My favorites change…it depends on what projects pass through my office. I gravitate to the contemporary pieces but still love the more classical pieces. I find myself consistently drawn to an ancient
10 years
What sort of projects do you work on in your position? All kinds of projects—
from exhibition related materials (invitations, gallery guides, posters,
PHOTO COURTESY OF WAM
Two minutes with... encaustic piece titled Mummy Portrait of a Young Man (Roman, Egyptian, 150-199 AD, encaustic on wood, Museum purchase, 1924.11) there is debate on whether this is a young man or woman.
Future projects you’re working on? The biggest project that our department is undertaking is the re-design of our website. Graphic Design now encompasses more than the printed page.
What are your thoughts about the new Wall at WAM? I LOVE IT! Many people don’t realize how influential Charline von Heyl is in the contemporary art world — she’s an extraordinary artist. Our curator of Contemporary Art, Susan Stoops, continually brings first rate artists to the Museum. Each Wall at WAM is different. I find inspiration in them all.
Most exciting development at the
museum you’ve seen to date? The most exciting thing is about to happen … the new website! Also, the progress the Museum has made with social media.
Favorite museum other than WAM? I’ve visited museums all over the country and in Europe and, honestly, WAM is my favorite.
Most influential artist in your life? There are several living artists I’m intrigued by—especially Marlene Dumas and Sophie Calle — but it is my friend (painter/performance artist) Linda Ford who inspires me, influencing how I think and live.
WCLOC at the Grandview Playhouse Presents the Neil Simon Comedy
The Odd Couple Nov. 26, 27 & Dec. 3, 4, 10, & 11 at 8 p.m. Matinees Nov. 28 & Dec. 5 & 12 at 2 p.m. Join us for the rest of our Season Our Winter Show Inherit the Wind A Classic Play by Jerome Lawrence Our Spring Musical Man of La Mancha An Epic and Award Winning Musical
Tickets $18.00 on line at wcloc.org Or Call 508-753-4383 WCLOC, 21 Grandview Ave, Worcester 54
WORCESTERMAG.COM • NOVEMBER 18, 2010
Adult Retail Boutique Open To Everyone For All Your Intimate Needs
Lingerie • Novelties • Toys Lotions • Shoes • DVDs • and more Wed-Sat 11am-8pm • Sunday 11am-5pm Closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25 Open Black Friday, Nov. 26, 9am-9pm Spend $50, Receive a Free Surprise Wrapped Gift
9 Walker Drive, Upton • 508-529-3600
desirees-desires.com
20% off all DVDs