Frye Future

Frye Future might seem a misnomer for an exhibition displayed according to nineteenth-century conventions. However, it’s indicative of the incredible surge of conceptual growth the Frye has experienced over the past two years, during which the Museum re-evaluated its vision, mission statement, guiding principles, goals, and exhibition strategies.

With exhibitions such as Frye Future the Museum will rethink its collections to enhance their relevance and dynamism in the twenty-first century. The exhibition includes 156 of 232 paintings from the founding collection, an unprecedented number. While on view, these works will be the focus of several important projects, including:

University of Washington seminar: Rethinking a Museum Collection for the 21st Century. Taught by Frye Chief Curator Robin Held and art historian Kolya Rice, this course provides graduate students the opportunity to work hands-on with original works of art, using the Frye collections as a test case for rethinking museum collections in the twenty-first century.

Analysis by international art historians. This group, representing a variety of specializations, will work closely with Held and Curator of Collections Donna Kovalenko to analyze the strengths of the founding collection, make conceptual connections to the permanent collection, reclassify the collections, and give counsel for collecting directions. The results will be essential to the Frye’s revised Collection Management Plan, satisfying American Association of Museums guidelines.

Dario Robleto residency. This San Antonio-based artist, in a week-long residency, will work with Held to co-curate an exhibition from the collection that will be exhibited with a ten-year survey of Robleto’s work, Alloy of Love (May 17–September 1, 2008). Robleto is known for melting down such carriers of our shared history as old vinyl records and war relics to create sculptural objects, in an ongoing meditation on love, death, spirituality, and healing.

Revitalized gallery guide program. This program now includes several Seattle University art history and fine arts students. Frye Future will introduce guides to the Frye founding collection and aid their training in interactive touring techniques, including visual thinking strategies.