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NONPROFIT PROFESSIONAL | DEAI SPECIALIST | FUNDRAISING STRATEGIST | CURATOR
My Curatorial and Exhibit Design Journey
My curatorial journey began at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (FWMSH), where I was offered the opportunity to celebrate diversity and encourage inclusivity through its exhibits. With the support of the Museum's leadership and education teams, I initiated and curated several exhibitions that focused on honoring heritage and respectfully highlighting the impact of remarkable individuals from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Among these exhibitions was the "Dia de Los Muertos" Exhibit, "Changemakers: Local Women, Global Impact," and "Opal Lee: The Woman Behind Juneteenth." The Juneteenth exhibit was particularly notable as it was the first African American history exhibit at FWMSH, an 80-year-old institution. I was fortunate to collaborate on this exhibition with the Lenora Rolla Museum, the Fort Worth African American Historical Society, and Opal Lee herself! This exhibit provided an essential platform for sharing African American heritage and contributions, marking a significant milestone in the museum's inclusivity initiatives.
In conjunction with these initiatives, the Hispanic Heritage Exhibition and the "Woman’s Rights: The Suffrage Movement in North Texas" were curated to further explore and showcase the vital contributions of diverse groups within our community. These exhibitions were created in partnership with subject experts and community members to educate our visitors about the rich histories, struggles, and triumphs of these communities, creating a broader narrative that genuinely reflected our shared heritage.
Aside from these culturally focused exhibitions, I also ventured into natural history. I had the pleasure of designing the Museum's Dinosaur Gallery, a project that allowed me to blend design, science, and history with engaging interactive elements.
In addition to these large-scale projects, I managed the production of several pop-up exhibitions and exhibit displays. Each exhibit, regardless of scale, was designed with a focus on engaging storytelling, community relevance, and visitor engagement.
These exhibitions have not only diversified our museum's offerings but also positioned FWMSH as a space that honors and celebrates the multifaceted narratives that make up our community. I am proud to have participated in this journey toward more inclusive and representative curation. I am dedicated to continue promoting this approach in my future curatorial endeavors.
Dino Gallery
In celebration of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History's 75th anniversary and in line with its strategy to incorporate more technology into the exhibits, the museum sought to revitalize its Dinosaur Gallery exhibition hall. Embracing this initiative, I conceptualized and designed the Gallery. The project was a collaborative effort, partnering with Bennett Partners for architectural design and construction, and with Ideum and Inside Image for the development of digital and interactive elements.
Dinosaur Gallery
FWMSH Hidden Treasures: Celebrating 75 Years
This special exhibition was a fitting tribute to the rich and diverse history of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, showcasing some of the Museum's most iconic and beloved artifacts from its extensive permanent collection. The design was inspired by the Museum's building iconic colors, tying together very distinct popular collections and exhibitions from the Museum's past. Some of the standout items included a 1919 Ford Model T Roadster, an array of meticulously preserved animal specimens, and an intriguing model illustrating Neolithic people performing an early form of skull surgery known as 'trepanning.' It also features a giant wall of Ceremonial Masks from around the globe. Additionally, the exhibition was enriched with 'period rooms' - meticulously recreated spaces reflecting different eras, such as an 1800s log cabin, a Victorian parlor, a schoolroom, and a general store.
These immersive environments not only showcased the artifacts in a contextual setting but also allowed visitors to step back in time, creating a deeply engaging, educational, and immersive journey through history.
75th Aniversary Exhibit
Día de los Muertos: A Mexican Day of the Dead Celebration
Rooted in Mexico's centuries-old tradition, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, serves as a joyful tribute to life and family, allowing people to remember and honor their deceased loved ones. This exhibition took visitors on a journey of discovery, showcasing an array of striking artworks and artifacts. The Museum's collection was enriched by pieces graciously gifted by the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, allowing for a more immersive exploration of the holiday's significance.
When designing the "Día de los Muertos: A Mexican Day of the Dead Celebration" exhibition, my intention was to create an immersive experience that not only honored the holiday's vibrant traditions but also painted a broader picture of its cultural significance and rich history. It was crucial to respect the delicate balance between celebrating life and honoring the deceased, which is at the heart of Día de los Muertos.
Through the curation and design process, I aimed to showcase the remarkable artistry connected to this holiday. Using the striking papier-mâché figurines and the intricate clay works of Indigenous Mexican artist, Josefina Aguilar, the exhibition design featured a visual narrative that took guests on a journey through the cultural heritage and practices of Día de los Muertos.
Día de los Muertos Exhibit Process & Development
Heritage Gallery
Recognizing a lack of diverse cultural representation within the museum's exhibitions, I spearheaded the creation of the Heritage Gallery at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. This was not just an endeavor to fill a void, but a passionate pursuit rooted in the desire to foster a sense of belonging and recognition for all members of our diverse community. The Heritage Gallery, therefore, represents more than a curated space - it stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of cultures that our society is composed of. By continually featuring a rotating series of exhibits that highlight various cultural, ethnic, and underrepresented groups, this space ensured that every visitor felt seen, acknowledged, and valued in our shared heritage story.
Heritage Gallery Exhibitions
The Heritage Gallery has been home to a broad array of dynamic exhibitions, each one spotlighting different cultural identities and their significant contributions. A first for Museum and the region, some of these exhibitions include:
Changemakers: Local Women, Global Impact: An inspiring showcase of local women who've had a significant influence on a global scale.
Hispanic Heritage Exhibition: An exploration of the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic community and its profound impact
Woman’s rights: The suffrage movement in North Texas: An insightful exploration of the women's suffrage movement, focusing on its roots and impacts in North Texas.
The Heritage Gallery
Exhibit Highlight - Heritage Mural: The Women Who Made Us
The Women Who Made Us: Honoring the Past, Imagining the Future
To create a focal point and encapsulate the purpose of the Changemakers: Local Women, Global Impact: exhibit, I created the "The Women Who Made Us" mural. This piece is comprised of 222 women who blazed trails in science, mathematics, politics, activism, education, business, and philanthropy. These women have inspired young people — of all genders and backgrounds — and helped them realize that they can do anything they set their minds to.
The women represented in this piece signify decades of persistence, determination, and grit. They pushed boundaries and shattered glass ceilings so that our daughters and granddaughters won't have to worry that their dreams aren't possible.
I Incorporated within the mural portraits of young students from our Museum's school program - added with their full consent.
The joy and excitement that radiated from them when they discovered their own images within the mural were incredibly rewarding. Their smiles truly encapsulated the essence of this project and have made it my most cherished project to date.
Pop Up Exhibitions & Exhibit Displays
Beyond the established galleries, I've created innovative, temporary exhibits designed to surprise, engage, and educate. These pop-up exhibitions offered unique experiences and were especially effective at sparking curiosity and deepening engagement.
I have also managed the production of several exhibition displays throughout the museum, ensuring that every piece contributes to the overarching narrative and enhances the visitor experience. These displays varied from small artifact cases to large-scale dioramas, always prioritizing accessibility, visibility, and engagement. This diversity in display creation allowed the museum to present information and artifacts in intriguing ways that appealed to our broad audience demographics. Among these exhibitions were:
Opal Lee, the woman behind Juneteenth: This exhibit honored Opal Lee's tireless efforts and significant influence in securing national recognition for Juneteenth. This marked the first African American exhibit at FWMSH, growing in size and content following the official designation of Juneteenth as a Federal holiday. Remarkably, the inauguration of this display coincided with the very day President Biden signed the law recognizing Juneteenth.
Fort Worth Black Business District and the Visionary Who Made it Happen: This exhibit took a deep dive into the significant contributions of William Madison McDonald, the first black millionaire in Texas. The display offered a thorough exploration of McDonald's life, his profound influence on the Fort Worth Black Business District, and the lasting impact he had on economic growth and empowerment within the African American community. The exhibit shed light on McDonald's pioneering strategies and his extraordinary resilience against societal norms of the time. This exhibit, notable for highlighting an often overlooked part of Texan history, received attention beyond the museum walls, featuring on regional television network, KCEN.
September 11th, Remembering the One. Remembering Them All: Developed in partnership with Honor 365 and their World Trade Center Replica Exhibit, this commemorative pop-up exhibition marked a significant remembrance of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The central feature of the exhibition was a grand, visually arresting flag composed entirely of the portraits of 9/11 victims. Accompanying the exhibition, a memorial program held on September 11th involved the city's mayor, and the Fort Worth Police and Fire Departments, who placed a ceremonial wreath at the 9/11 Tribute Exhibit. This exhibition and its associated event not only memorialized the tragic event but also epitomized our society's unity, resilience, and shared mourning
Pop Up & Exhibit Displays
Copyright © 2024 Luis P. Cortes - All Rights Reserved.
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