Curatorial

Rigby has been engaged as a curator to tell visual stories through artworks and larger collections.

Services include creating a narrative through a discussion of the art’s historical context, overseeing exhibition installation, sourcing display materials and mount-makers, coordinating art handlers and conservators, and producing media to inform the visitor experience. DRFA’s approach is the thoughtful placement of art so that space is utilized in a sophisticated manner.

DRFA is experienced in developing management plans for art collections.

This concierge approach develops a customized plan for protecting artworks as a long-term investment. To meet the needs of a collection, DRFA works collaboratively with outside firms who have museum-level registrars.

CASE STUDY

Curating the Galerie Trinitas at the University of Providence

DRFA was engaged in this curatorial project by Seattle-based architect Ron van der Veen of NAC Architecture, who was designing a new Student Center at the University of Providence in Great Falls, MT. Owned by Providence Health Care System, the Student Center was to house the new Galerie Trinitas, a space devoted to preserving and presenting the artwork of Sister Mary Trinitas Morin (1908-1965).

Curating the Galerie Trinitas at the University of Providence

DRFA was engaged in this curatorial project by Seattle-based architect Ron van der Veen of NAC Architecture, who was designing a new Student Center at the University of Providence in Great Falls, MT. Owned by Providence Health Care System, the Student Center was also to house the new Galerie Trinitas, a space devoted to preserving and presenting the artwork of Sister Mary Trinitas Morin (1908-1965).

In the new gallery, Rigby told the story of Sister Mary Trinitas, an artist and educator who spent 33 years at the school as a member of the religious congregation of the Sisters of Providence. At the time of her death, she was the head of the Division of Arts and a well-loved artist. Working on a condensed timeline, Rigby visited the university, met with key stakeholders, reviewed artwork and historic ephemera, and crafted a narrative for the gallery which she presented to the Galerie Trinitas Advisory Board. The overarching curatorial goal was for the exhibition to resonate with visitors, a diverse group which includes students, Great Falls locals, and the larger Sisters of Providence and Providence Health communities. Rigby approached the exhibit as she would that of any living artist, telling a human story that would speak to visitors who might not have a background in art.

The scope of work included: reviewing all artwork, hiring pedestal and mount-makers, sourcing local art handlers and a conservator, interviewing the artist’s family members and friends, hiring a photographer to document the artist’s monumental stained-glass windows off-site, collaborating with the Archivists of the Sisters of Providence, and working with the head of Marketing for the Sisters of Providence. Additionally, all narratives and labels were drafted with the help of the Head of the Campus Ministry, who has deep knowledge of liturgical art, and with the advisement of the Head Archivist and Head of Marketing. Rigby worked with a local museum preparator to oversee the placement and installation of all objects. During the Grand Opening Rigby had the privilege of leading a curatorial walkthrough of the exhibit with the Sisters of Providence, who flew in for the opening day.

Rigby notes, “This project is one that will always be dear to my heart, as I had to place myself in the life and mind of Sister Mary Trinitas. I felt very close to her throughout the process, which is normal when taking a deep dive into an artist’s life work. I had the tremendous honor of meeting the Sisters of Providence and telling the story of one of their own. They are extremely strong women who focus on social justice and caring for the most underserved members of their community. My hope is that the Galerie Trinitas will encourage more people to learn about the Sisters of Providence through the artwork of one of their most inspiring members.”