Every Bead Tells A Story

Today I'm working on Every Bead Tells A Story: Christy Puetz & Beads of Courage. Here is a short article on Beads of Courage: http://www.ehow.com/how_4834605_of-courage-during-hospital-treatments.html

Museum 2.0: Deliberately Unsustainable Business Models

Here is a blog post by Museum 2.0 that is very on point with what many of us in the museum field are asking. Check it out.

Museum 2.0: Deliberately Unsustainable Business Models: "don't think it's a false choice. The argument is: focus on being awesome first. I believe that the structures to support sustainability will always emerge, and should be cultivated, but that they should remain in service to the superlative program/project at hand rather than becoming the primary focus of energy."

Dominic Benhura: Stone Sculptures from Africa

There is only three more weeks to enjoy the "Dominic Benhura: Stone Sculptures from Africa" exhibition.

From his stone depictions of a charging elephant, gargantuan black scorpion and menacing king cobra to the elegantly carved sculptures of adoring families and children at play― Benhura will enthrall you with glimpses of his native homeland while eloquently bridging the divides of an ocean and cultures.

“Dominic Benhura's love for his family and homeland is showcased throughout this exhibition of extraordinary stone sculptures,” explains Exhibition Coordinator Andy Behrle.

The universally identifiable images and accompanying, hands-on art activities will help the local community connect with the fantastic people, animals and artistic world of Benhura, the love of his family and the natural resources of Zimbabwe.

This life-sized stone sculpture of an African elephant, as depicted by Dominic Benhura, is on display now at the Arizona Museum for Youth.“From the time I started sculpting, a day could not go by without using my hammer and chisel,” explains Benhura. “It has become my life. I work nearly every day, Sunday to Sunday. I cannot do without it.”

The larger artworks will be available to touch and further connect families to this magical land. Accompanying the artwork will be photographic and textual panels showcasing the geology, geography, and sociology of the region, artist, and stone.

“Benhura's elegant talent and vision brings the best of Zimbabwe to the Valley of the Sun,” says Behrle.

Journey to the great lands of Africa through the art of Dominic Benhura, and let the Arizona Museum for Youth be your tour guide. You’ll be amazed at how much this community has in common with your friends on the other side of the globe. Finally, we’re all a world apart no more!

“Dominic Benhura: Stone Sculptures from Africa” runs through Sunday, March 29th, 2009, thanks, in part, to the generous collaboration of Scottsdale’s Zuva Gallery, an award-winning destination for contemporary art.

First posting

Hi there! I am Jeffory Morris and I am the curator for the Arizona Museum for Youth (AMY). I am looking for artist for the following upcoming exhibitions:

• "My Favorite Monster," May 21 - September 27, 2009: Monsters by Artists.
• "Patterns in Art," in addition to a traveling show "Pattern Wizardry," October 17, 2009 - April 4, 2010
• "Music to Your Eyes," Friday, April 16, 2010 – Sunday, June 27, 2010 Visual Music and Music interpeted by artists.

Contact me at jeffory.morris@mesaaz.gov if you create artwork that may fit the themes of these shows.

Check out our installation photographs here: http://flickr.com/photos/azmuseum4youth/

Follow AMY on Twitter.com: http://twitter.com/AZMuseum4Youth