I co-curated Beatrice Glow: Once the Smoke Clears, 05/15/22 – 10/02/22 at the Baltimore Museum of Art with Dr. Virginia Anderson. This exhibition delves into the unseen and unsavory sociohistorical and ecological realities underlying the tobacco industry’s veneer of luxury through Glow’s digitally printed and embroidered silk textiles, VR-sculpted and 3D-printed objects, watercolors, and scent experiences.

I worked closely with the artist in selecting works, envisioning installation, and writing wall labels for each work. We were in constant conversation with the BMA’s designers and preparators to bring Glow’s vision to life, including: Dave Zimmerman, Exhibition Designer; Olivia Tucker, Graphic Designer; Asa Osborne, Installation Manager; Mike Klunk, Preparator. I had the pleasure of collaborating with curators across museum departments to select historical artworks that speak to the global influence and trade of tobacco: Frances Klapthor, Curator of Asian Art, to select Chinese tobacco-related artworks; Darienne Turner, Assistant Curator of Indigenous Arts of the Americas, to select Native tobacco-related artworks; and Brittany Luberda, Assistant Curator of Decorative Arts, to select British and French tobacco-related artworks. Dr. Anderson, Glow, Turner, and I consulted with Dr. Jessa Rae Growing Thunder to learn more about the Lakota tobacco pipe bags included in the exhibition. Object Conservator Christine Downie and Conservation Technician for Objects and Textiles, Mary Anne Arntzen, both brought the objects and textiles to life with thoughtful care. Assistant Registrar Caitlyn Reid cared for the shipment and safety of objects. AJ Visgil and Cherie Montgomery, Co-Interim Directors of Security, and the excellent BMA Security Staff managed the visitor experience of the scent cards. Director of Intepretation, Dr. Verónica Betancourt and Label Editor Emily Hurwitz edited all interpretation text and material for this exhibition. Museum Educator Lizzie Sampson edited a stellar video that explained Glow’s digital creation process. Photographer Mitro Hood captured dazzling installation shots, and Image Rights and Services Coordinator Colleen Hollister obtained image rights for all works and images related to the exhibition.

Below is the text from the exhibition:

Below is a digital tour of the exhibition:

Below is a selection of press coverage of the exhibition:

Glow’s Colonial Desires was acquired by the BMA from this exhibition. Press release below, and images can be found here.