More than Guards: Meet the Walker's Gallery Assistants
Out of all the staff which make the Walker run, it’s the Gallery Assistants, and Lead Gallery Assistants, who spend the most amount of time in the galleries. They’re more than just guards: they are stewards of the artwork and answer visitor questions on the fly, adding to understanding and enjoyment of contemporary art. Reflections from this team of Visitor Service specialists open a window into the unique life of the works on view in our permanent collection, Five Ways In.
Minneapolis-based artist Frank Bigbear was my favorite work on display in Five Ways In. His work Chemical Man In a Toxic World dazzled me with its wild colors and vibrancy. Each time I looked at it, I discovered something I might have missed seeing before…and isn't great art supposed to work that way?
Scott
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Alice Neel, Charlotte Willard, 1967. Gift of Hartley S. Neel and Richard Neel, 2002. Image courtesy the Walker Art Center. -
Alice Neel, Charlotte Willard, 1967. Gift of Hartley S. Neel and Richard Neel, 2002. Image courtesy the Walker Art Center.
The wall of portraits in Gallery 5 always seems to be the area where visitors and I alike spend most of our time. In states of curiosity, we attempt to understand the eyes of the people we see. I choose to view these works the way most would, without context, and wonder if Alice Neel's Charlotte Willard was a strong-willed woman for keeping her composure.
Jhoselin
Inside and outside we are creating art everyday from ourselves and from everything surrounding us. Encouraging dialog among members, guests, and Walker staff of all ages, one just can't help falling in love with art.
Judy
The artworks feel different every day. In different weather, or when you’re in a different mood, you get a different feeling from them. When the galleries are open, I’m and I love to share in that atmosphere with others who are walking through.
Jihea
I’m surrounded by the art all day, which is super inspiring. And being a visible trans woman, I find it so important to be seen amongst the art, and I get compliments! I had an older woman say to me, “You’re the real piece of art around here,” which happened the other day and is a huge compliment. The people make this easily the best place I’ve ever worked.
Catt
I’m a lead guard and I’ve worked at the Walker for five years now, so I’ve seen the entirety of Five Ways In. One of the works that stuck out most to me was Sigma Group Four by Jack Whitten. It was just recently replaced with a work by Caroline Kent, but it was a really cool piece that was like a static TV screen. You could look at it from afar, but it looks completely different close up – and almost hurt your eyes.
Daniel
I think my favorite anecdote from when I was guarding in Five Ways In, was there was a pair of ladies who passed by me once, then twice, and then a third time. And on that third passing, I heard one say to the other: “If we don’t get out of here soon, we’ll become part of the permanent collection!”
Corra
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(from left) Daniel, Myrtó, Alyssa, Corra, 2022. Photo by Kameron Herndon. Courtesy Walker Art Center. -
Georgia O'Keeffe, Lake George Barns, 1926. Gift of the T. B. Walker Foundation, 1954. Image courtesy the Walker Art Center.
Lake George Barns by Georgia O’Keeffe stands out to me. O’Keeffe and (her partner) Alfred Stieglitz are both artists that I admire immensely and I have followed both of their work extensively. I like that the work in Five Ways In is not necessarily indicative of O’Keeffe’s usual tranquil landscapes or vivid flora and fauna. It is more measured, morose, and sparse - showcasing just how multi-faceted the artist is. It greets and grounds me as I enter Five Ways In.
Alyssa
Learn more about Five Ways In here, explore the Walker's collections here, and say hi to the Gallery Assistants and Lead Gallery Assistants the next time you visit the Walker!
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