Museum Confidential

Beyond the "Bad Art Friend"

We hear the word “viral” all the time. But very few things actually go viral. A recent exception is “Who Is the Bad Art Friend?,” a nearly ten-thousand-word feature in The New York Times by Robert Kolker. The story identifies a dispute between two writers that involves Facebook, a kidney donation, and explores the question, “who owns our personal stories?” Journalist Sarah Cascone joins us to discuss a related legal battle involving Andy Warhol and Prince. It’s complicated.

Judy Chicago

On the occasion of her first career retrospective, we sit down with legendary artist/feminist Judy Chicago. The exhibition , now on view at San Francisco’s de Young Museum, includes approximately 130 paintings, prints, drawings, and ceramic sculptures, in addition to ephemera, several films, and a documentary. We also talk about smoke sculptures. What’s a smoke sculpture? We’ll get to that.

John Lurie

Many people have been incorrectly hailed as a “Renaissance Man,” but it perfectly describes Mr. John Lurie. Music, acting, painting, writing, he’s done it all. With a long-gestating memoir just out and a second season of HBO’s “Painting with John” now in production, we recently caught up with Lurie for a wide-ranging chat.        

The Smithsonian Goes Hip-Hop

The long-awaited Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap just dropped. The set includes 129 tracks on 9 discs and a hefty 300–page book with original design by Cey Adams, acclaimed artist and founding creative director of Def Jam Recordings. From his early subway graffiti days alongside Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat to designing classic albums for Beastie Boys and LL Cool J, Adams has been at the epicenter of hip-hop culture. He spoke to us from his studio in New York City.  

The Outsiders?

What is an “outsider artist?” Do we even call them that anymore? In recent years the term shifted to “self-taught artist.” Sounds different. But does it mean the same thing? On this episode we chat with Dr. Katherine Jentleson, the Merrie and Dan Boone Curator of Folk and Self-Taught Art at the High Museum in Atlanta. The High recently opened two companion shows focusing on this very topic.

Teaser: "It's Confidential"

The secret's out! Season 6 of Museum Confidential starts Friday 9/3! Enjoy this early listen to our new season theme song performed by Oklahoma's own Broncho. Written by Broncho's Ryan Lindsey and MC Host Jeff Martin. 

Greenwood Rising

On the season finale of Museum Confidential 2021 we sit down with Philbrook President/CEO Scott Stulen and Phil Armstrong, Project Director for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. Phil has been leading the effort to open Greenwood Rising, a history center located at the gateway to Tulsa's Historic Greenwood District. Greenwood Rising honors the icons of Black Wall Street, memorializes the victims of the massacre, and examines the lessons of the past.

The Legacy of Survival

Through the use of artificial intelligence and augmented reality, the new exhibit, THE LEGACY OF SURVIVAL, allows anyone to interact with and interview the centenarian survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This episode includes remarks from Dr. Tiffany Crutcher (Terence Crutcher Foundation), Greg Robinson (Tulsa Community Remembrance Coalition), and Mother Viola Fletcher (age 107). "The Legacy of Survival" is on view at Gilcrease Museum through June 19, 2021. 

The Kinsey Collection

The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection tells the story of African American triumphs and accomplishments from 1595 to present day. From May 22-June 30, the collection will be on view at the Greenwood Cultural Center and the Gathering Place. Two locations. One show. This episode presents a live conversation with Bernard and Khalil Kinsey, Michelle Brown (Greenwood Cultural Center), and author Hannibal B. Johnson. Moderated by Gathering Place Executive Director Tony Moore.

Rick Lowe

Rick Lowe is one of the two Lead Artists for the Greenwood Art Project alongside William Cordova. Born in Alabama, but a longtime resident of Houston, Lowe's work is widely acclaimed and collected. He was awarded a coveted MacArthur "Genius Grant" in 2014. On this episode we chat with Lowe about the ongoing work of the Greenwood Art Project and the upcoming centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. 

The 1921 Black Wall Street Online Directory

On this 75th episode of Museum Confidential we chat with Mikeal Vaughn of the Urban Coders Guild. This spring the Urban Coders Guild student cohorts will use their acquired web and mobile application development skills to create a collection of websites and an accompanying mobile app for the businesses lost in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Co-hosted by Greenwood Art Project Program Director Jerica Wortham. 

A Portrait of Breonna Taylor

On this episode we road trip to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art to chat with Associate Curator, Allison Glenn. Promise, Witness, Remembrance at Louisville, Kentucky's Speed Art Museum, guest-curated by Glenn, reflects on the life of Breonna Taylor, her killing in 2020, and the year of protests that followed. The exhibition is organized around the three words of its title, which emerged from a conversation between Glenn and Tamika Palmer, Breonna's mother. On view April 7-June 6. 

Sam Pollard

Acclaimed documentary director, editor, and producer Sam Pollard joins us to talk about his recent films Black Art: In the Absence of Light, MLK/FBI, and his storied career. From serving as Spike Lee's longtime editor (Jungle Fever, Clockers, 4 Little Girls) to directing one of the earliest films on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre (Goin' Back to T-Town, 1993), Pollard has made an indelible impact by telling Black stories through film. 

Rebuilding Black Wall Street

TheRese Aduni has been hard at work on her documentary, "Rebuilding Black Wall Street." The film uses 16mm film footage shot by TheRese's father and chronicles the men and women who rebuilt Greenwood in the aftermath of 1921. This episode also features artist William Cordova, one of the Greenwood Art Project's two lead artists. Co-hosted by GAP Project Director, Jerica Wortham. 

The Godfather of Cool

2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the classic crime film SHAFT, directed Gordon Parks. Parks was a filmmaker, writer, musician, and one of the 20th century’s great photographers. A recent piece in the New York Times called him, “The Godfather of Cool.” Not bad for the youngest of 15 children from Fort Scott, Kansas. Fort Scott is now home to the Gordon Parks Museum. On this episode we catch up with the Museum’s Director, Kirk Sharp.

The Greenwood Art Project

A new season begins in partnership with the Greenwood Art Project, an initiative of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. To get a broader view of the project we chat with anthropologist/archivist Marlon Hall who handles the project’s unique use of social media, Kode Ransom who runs the GAP mobile outreach efforts, and Program Director, Jerica Wortham. Jerica will serve as Co-Host on several episodes this season.

OUR PEOPLE: Susan Billy

On the final episode of OUR PEOPLE, Rebecca Nagle chats with artist Susan Billy (Pomo) about family, traditions, basketry, and more. Susan is the granddaughter of Pomo basket weaver Susan Santiago Billy. Presented in connection with the landmark special exhibition, “Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists” (through 1/3/21). Hosted by journalist/podcaster, Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee). Music by Oklahoma musician, Kalyn Fay (Cherokee/Muscogee).  

OUR PEOPLE: Kelly Church

On the penultimate episode of OUR PEOPLE, Rebecca chats with artist Kelly Church (Ottawa/Pottawatomi) about basketry, invasive bugs, sustainability, and more. Presented in connection with the landmark special exhibition, “Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists” (through 1/3/21). Hosted by journalist/podcaster, Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee). Music by Oklahoma musician, Kalyn Fay (Cherokee/Muscogee).  

The Wright Time: Part 2

Let's go back to Arizona. In part 2 of our look at the impact of the COVID-19 era on the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, we go a bit deeper and chat with the department heads who keep the wheels turning. Recorded live on-site at Taliesin West. 

OUR PEOPLE: Cara Romero

On the third episode of OUR PEOPLE, Rebecca sits down (virtually) with artist/photographer, Cara Romero (Chemehuevi ). Now based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Cara grew up alternating between the rural Chemehuevi reservation in Mojave Desert, CA and the urban sprawl of Houston, TX. Presented in connection with the landmark special exhibition, “Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists” (on view through 1/3/21). Hosted by journalist/podcaster, Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee). Music by Oklahoma musician,...

The Wright Time: Part 1

Our intrepid host reports from an unforgettable desert journey to Taliesin West in Arizona, home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. In late 2019 we were invited by the Foundation to do a live show for a real, human audience (remember those?). But then the world changed. We kept our promise, took the trip, and left with a deep-dive exploration of how cultural sites are surviving the COVID-19 era. On this episode we speak with Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation President and CEO Stuart Graff. 

OUR PEOPLE: America Meredith

On this episode of OUR PEOPLE, Rebecca chats with acclaimed artist and First American Art Magazine editor, America Meredith (Cherokee) about her work, family, and more. Presented in connection with the landmark special exhibition, “Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists” (on view through 1/3/21). Hosted by journalist/podcaster, Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee). Music by Oklahoma musician, Kalyn Fay (Cherokee/Muscogee). New episodes every week in December.

OUR PEOPLE: Anita Fields

In connection with the landmark special exhibition, Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists (on view through 1/3/21), Museum Confidential presents a new limited series hosted by journalist/podcaster, Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee) highlighting artists in the exhibition. Music for the series provided by Oklahoma musician, Kalyn Fay (Cherokee/Muscogee). New episodes every week in December. On this episode Rebecca chats with acclaimed artist, Anita Fields (Osage) about her life, work, and much mor...

Do Museums Have a Docent Problem?

Docents, volunteers, tour guides, whatever you want to call them, have been and remain an important part of the museum visitor experience. As the world and demographics change, how do museums make sure volunteers keep up with the change and remain relevant to modern audiences and concerns? On this episode we chat with journalist Sophie Haigney about her recent Slate article, "Museums Have a Docent Problem." 

Art for Justice

Agnes Gund is a legend in the art world for her collection, her philanthropy, and her decision in 2017 to sell a painting by Roy Lichtenstein for $165 million and launch the Art for Justice Fund. She’s also the subject of the new documentary, AGGIE. The film was directed by Agnes’ daughter and acclaimed documentarian, Catherine Gund. The film is available now in virtual theaters and on demand. On this episode we chat with Catherine Gund about her work, this film, her larger-than-life mother,...

Accidentally Wes Anderson

We miss movies. Due to the pandemic, the latest Wes Anderson movie has been bumped to 2021. But fans aren’t leaving 2020 empty handed. One of our favorite Instagram feeds the past few years is the gentle escapism of ACCIDENTALLY WES ANDERSON, a curated selection of crowdsourced photos/stories of buildings, landscapes, and other aesthetically pleasing content evoking the Andersonian world. Many of the best ACCIDENTALLY WES ANDERSON posts have now been compiled into a beautiful new book of the...

Native Women Artists

On this episode we explore the groundbreaking exhibition, "Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists" with Philbrook Curator Christina Burke. The first of its kind and years in the making, this show honors the achievements of over 100 Native women artists from the United States and Canada spanning over 1,000 years. On view at Philbrook through January 3, 2021.

Imaginary Museums

What is a museum? We know it's more than a big building with paintings on walls and objects in cases. But could our own homes be museums about us? On this episode we speak with author Rachel Morris about her new book, THE MUSEUM MAKERS, a fascinating true story that begins with boxes under a bed and leads to an exploration of imaginary museums, why we collect, and how we curate our own lives. 

Season 4 Teaser Trailer

The Museum of Racist Objects

On this episode we revisit our unforgettable conversation with Dr. David Pilgrim, Founder and Curator of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University in Michigan. Museums aren't always meant to be enjoyable experiences. That doesn't mean they are not important and essential. The Jim Crow Museum was born out of Dr. Pilgrim's personal collection, one that began decades ago while growing up in Alabama. 

How We Reopen

Season 3 Finale. How does a museum reopen in the wake of COVID-19? What are the changes and challenges museums face in this new world? We explore this topic and more with Philbrook President/CEO Scott Stulen and Deputy Directors Megan Nesbit and Rachel Keith. 

We have much work to do

What follows is a statement recently released by Philbrook. It was created and edited in collaboration with the museum staff, leadership, and Board of Trustees. 

Sarah Urist Green

On this episode, Philbrook Director Scott Stulen steps in as Guest Host for a fascinating chat with writer and curator, Sarah Urist Green. Sarah is host of the popular PBS web series, The Art Assignment and author of the new book, You Are an Artist: Assignments to Spark Creation. 

Letter From Prison (to a cat)

Philbrook recently kicked off a pen pal program for the museum cats. A bit of connection in the COVID-19 era. If you write them a letter, they write back. That's the deal. The program took off quickly and mail began arriving daily from around the country and around the world. Some from kids, some from adults. Some silly, some quite moving. Some from other cats (kind of). But one recent arrival stood out. The return address on the envelope was a prison. The letter inside was unforgettable. 

Jerry Saltz

In the age of Rotten Tomatoes, likes, and shares, we are all critics. But a rarified few have transcended the trends and held onto a corner of the zeitgeist. No American critic has been more successful at this than New York Magazine’s Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic, Jerry Saltz. In his new book HOW TO BE AN ARTIST, he distills his life into a mission statement of sorts. On this episode we chat with Jerry from his quarantine hideout where he’s holed up with his wife, New York Times art cri...

April 19, 1995

A special episode commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing. We chat with OKC Mayor David Holt and Kari Watkins, longtime Executive Director of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Can't-miss conversations on remembrance, resilience, and observing one tragedy while living through another (Covid-19). 

Broad Strokes

It's not breaking news to say that women artists have often been ignored or even purposefully excluded from the canon. As we continue celebrating the 100th anniversary of passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, we sit down with acclaimed author Bridget Quinn to discuss her book, "Broad Strokes: 15 Women Who Made Art and Made History (in That Order)."

Engagement in the Age of Coronavirus

In a special episode we air an important conversation hosted by museum engagement company, Cuseum. More than 3,000 museum professionals around the globe tuned in to “How to Keep Your Audience Engaged, Entertained, and Inspired in the Age of Coronavirus.” Featuring Philbrook Director Scott Stulen and Seema Rao, Deputy Director and Chief Experience Officer at Akron Art Museum. Moderated by Cuseum’s Brendan Ciecko. 

The Scientific Method

Art museums account for less than 5% of all American museums. More than half fall into the history category. Science and technology museums barely make up 1% of the overall industry yet host millions of annual visitors. On this episode we travel to Dallas’ Perot Museum of Nature and Science to get a look at how these museums work from the inside out.

Metropolitan Stories

2020 marks the 150th anniversary of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Christine Coulson worked at The Met for a quarter of a century in a variety of roles. She left a couple of years ago to write full time and the result is her acclaimed debut novel, “Metropolitan Stories.” On this episode we chat with Christine about the real stories behind her fictional world. 

Year of the Woman

2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment to the constitution, giving American women the right to vote. Last fall, the Baltimore Museum of Art announced a bold initiative. Only 4% of the museum’s 95,000 artworks were created by women. Throughout this year, every artwork the museum purchases will have been created by a woman artist. On this episode we travel to Baltimore for a chat with BMA Director, Christopher Bedford.

Museums Get Organized

There’s a bit of a trend happening in the museum world. Museums are unionizing. And while this trend is somewhat isolated to New York and California, it’s a development that can’t be ignored. One of the museums to recently organize is the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan. On this episode we chat with Andres Puerta, Director of Special Projects for IUOE Local 30. 

Special Report: #MuseumMeToo

In a special report we speak with New York Times reporters Robin Pogrebin and Zachary Small about their bombshell investigation into 31-year-old (now former) Erie Art Museum Director, Joshua Helmer and his related sexual harassment scandals at that institution and his previous employer, the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Colleen Dilenschneider

One name keeps popping up as one of the most important young voices on the future of museums. That name is Colleen Dilenschneider. Through short videos, presentations, and data driven articles on her website, Colleen consistently boils down industry studies and presents them in a digestible and reliably optimistic way. Think Malcolm Gladwell as a giddy millennial. On this episode we chat with Colleen about that future she’s always taking about.

Frank Lloyd Wright Revisited

2019 marks the 60th anniversary (October 1959) of New York’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. The Guggenheim was the final and perhaps crowning achievement of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 2019 is also the 60th anniversary of Wright’s death (April 1959). All these decades later, the legendary architect remains a complicated figure. On this episode we sit down with acclaimed author and longtime Washington Post reporter Paul Hendrickson to chat about his polarizing and kaleidoscopic new biograph...

All About That ($14.5 Million) Vase

Museums acquire. They keep. They care for their objects. And it always causes a bit of a stir when a Museum decides to sell something from its collection. In May of 2018, at Christie’s in Hong Kong, an 18th century Chinese vase owned by Philbrook Museum of Art sold for $14.5 million. On this episode we chat with Philbrook Director Scott Stulen to learn the real story behind this potentially controversial decision.

Edward Hopper Was Here

The name "Edward Hopper" is synonymous with loneliness. Hotels and motels play a central role in Hopper’s art. "Edward Hopper and The American Hotel" recently opened at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. It is the first in-depth look at this side of Hopper’s work and features a recreated room based on Hopper’s “Western Motel.” The space serves as a fully functional hotel room. Every night sold out before opening day. On this episode we chat with the show’s curator, Dr. Leo Mazow.

Building Stories

Sometimes a place becomes a museum by accident. This takes the perfect mix of history, people, luck, notoriety, and course, art. One of the best examples of this rare occurrence is the legendary Chelsea Hotel in New York City. Acclaimed author Fiona Davis writes novels about famous New York buildings. She recently wrote about the Chelsea Hotel, so we checked in with her to talk all about it.  

Springsteen's Stuff

Bruce Springsteen just turned 70. But The Boss shows no signs of slowing down. In his hometown of Freehold, New Jersey, there’s a new exhibition at the Monmouth County Historical Association. It’s called, quite simply, SPRINGSTEEN: HIS HOMETOWN. On this episode we talk all things Bruce with Eileen Chapman, Director of The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University.

Dr. Seuss: Lost and Found

In 2013, while looking through a forgotten box of archival materials, Dr. Seuss’s widow, Audrey Geisel, discovered a folder containing a collection of sketches for a project called “The Horse Museum.” It was only about 80% finished and contained no completed artwork. Editors at Random House set out to complete the book and hired Australian illustrator Andrew Joyner to provide the art. A true love letter to museums and a wonderful primer on art history, “Dr. Seuss’ Horse Museum” was released...