Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

12-2007

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Fine Arts

Committee Chair

Begley, John P.

Subject

Jeunet, André, 1896-1979--Exhibitions; Photography, Artistic--Exhibitions; Museums--Educational aspects

Abstract

In spring 2006, the Frazier International History Museum, in conjunction with the Ekstrom Library Photographic Archives at the University of Louisville, mounted an exhibit of 47 photographs taken by a young French foot soldier during World War I. The exhibit, titled "André Jeunet: Images of WWI by a Pacifist Soldier," ran from May 19 through September 4, 2006. The main concept behind the exhibit was to show images of World War I that focused less on the horrific aspects of combat and more of the everyday life the of common soldier, and to highlight that although many soldiers fought out of patriotism, some French soldiers held on to strong pacifist ideas. Another reason for mounting the show was to provide a public venue for these photographs, which contained strong artistic, historical, as well as sentimental value to Jeunet's family members. It would be a premiere of the images, since they had never been publicly displayed. The exhibit, which I organized and cocurated as Head of Education at the Frazier International History Museum, with Vicki Niehaus, University of Louisville Ekstrom Library, Technical Services, by was assembled over the course of a year. A budget of approximately $5,000, made possible by contributions from Joseph and Joseph Architects, Richard and Cécile Spalding, the Frazier Museum, and in-kind services from Framers Supply Company paid for materials and covered expenses for an opening reception. My thesis focuses on the educational components of the exhibit, and the ways that educational opportunities could have been expanded and enhanced during the run of the exhibit and even after it ended. This thesis will also explore ways that educational and cognitive theory can influence exhibit design and layout to maximize opportunities for learning. It is the author's belief that examining and looking for ways to enhance learning are central to the exhibition process. Facilitating visitors' ability to interact with and find meaning as they spend time in an exhibition environment encourages them to engage in activities such as reading, examining, exploring, comparing, and discussing.

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