When the Bmore Youth Arts Advocacy Council (BYAAC) visited Glenstone Museum for Career Day, we expected to see incredible art. What we didn’t expect was to leave thinking so deeply about the people, stories, and care behind every artwork — and how many different paths there are into the world of museums and the arts.
For many of us, the conversation with Glenstone founder Emily Rales left a lasting impression. Zoey shared, “The visit with Emily Rales really stuck with me, to hear her story and know she didn’t know anything about art earlier in her life and she ended up loving art and making a career out of it. This proves why art is so important to show to others, especially youth in schools.”
Tihanna added, “Meeting the founder, knowing she was a woman, was really powerful. Her being in a powerful position is so cool…it says anyone can do it… man or not.”
Throughout the day, we met people doing important work behind the scenes — the people who make sure the art we see is preserved, remembered, and cared for. “I didn’t realize how much behind-the-scenes stuff happens,” Lotus said. “Carly and Nathan made me see that it’s not just about the art…it’s about keeping track of everything and making sure it’s remembered.”
Mia agreed: “I never realized that museums have many different careers like an archivist. It shows that even if you aren’t the best at creating art, there are still other ways you can be included.”
We also learned about the complex, careful work of conserving artwork. “The conservators had the hardest job,” Tihanna said, “because their job took years of college to have.” Talyah noted how even artwork donated as gifts was treated with the same care and respect. “I learned that even pieces that were gifts are treated just as carefully as the art.”
And it wasn’t just about job titles. We began to think about museums in a whole new way. Zoey reflected, “Museums don’t have to just be pictures and paintings on the walls. When we visited the library at Glenstone and heard that people go there to get what they need and gather, it was almost like a community. A museum isn’t just about the art, it’s about the community you can build with others you connect to.”
From the quiet work of archivists to the delicate care of conservators, from artist inspiration to community spaces, our visit to Glenstone opened our eyes. We left knowing that the arts world is wide — and we all have a place in it.
Oh, and one last thing: Zoey had a special shoutout. “This isn’t really a takeaway,” she said, “but I would tell Alex Da Corte to just keep doing what he is doing, because I love his work.”
— Bmore Youth Arts Advocacy Council (BYAAC)
