THE TEAM BEHIND THE MARJORIE BARRICK MUSEUM OF ART

Our HOMEBREW series sheds light on artists & creatives, the unsung heroes and the teams that make up a well-oiled machine. In this initial article we had the opportunity to take a peek behind the gallery walls of The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art.

Located inside the University of Las Vegas, The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art showcases a range of fine art from their students, local talent and global artists. Initially focused on natural and environmental history of Nevada, the museum is now home of many exhibitions, workshops and a common gatherings for neighbors and out of towners. Chloe & Alex gave us a peak into what it's like to be a part of the hidden gem that's right in our very own backyard.

WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT ARE YOUR ROLES AT THE BARRICK MUSEUM?

[CHLOE]: I'm Chloe Bernardo. I'm the Museum Designer at the Barrick Museum of Art. I started out as a student worker in Graphic Design & Media (Bachelor of Science) at UNLV in 2019. I graduated in Spring of 2020 and I've been working in the museum for almost 5 years.

[ALEX]: I'm Alex Panzer. I am primarily a Graphic Designer at the Barrick Museum of Art, but also assist with our archive, exhibition installations/de-installations and a number of other things. I graduated from UNLV first in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree, concentrated in Graphic Design & Media – then again in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts degree concentrated in Psychology. I've been with the museum since May 2023.

WHAT DOES THE TEAM DO FOR UNLV?

[CHLOE]: As a University Museum, we provide free access to arts to our students and community members. We make sure to remove barriers such as entrance fees. We provide space for research as well as a platform to show, discuss, and create art, and as a place of belonging to the whole community.

FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?

[CHLOE]: I love creating visions into reality. I trust the process, howeer fluid that may be – from discussing the stories we're trying to tell, to the relevance of typography details. I also love learning from my colleagues about the different aspects of the museum and workplace.

[ALEX]: My favorite part about the job is having the opportunity to work with a very talented group of artists in an art-filled environment. All of which have provided the great learning experiences. Working on our archive catalogs, I have fallen in love with editorial design. Catalogs, books, zines, etc. are great vessels for information – whether it's for archival purposes, a tool for learning or something to simply view.

WHAT'S THE IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK?

[CHLOE]: Having a good relationship with our team is important. Creating a space where we can ask for help when overloaded or vice versa can create a trusting relationship, so we know that we have each other's backs.

FAVORITE PROJECT TO DATE?

[CHLOE]: I love our previous exhibition called Seeing/Seen curated by Erica Vitale-Lazare. I got to design murals inspired by the curator's life. I also experience how enjoyable it is to collaborate with others and the importance of our roles in the museum to tell other people's stories.

[ALEX]: So far my favorite project is the poster and flyers I designed for one of our current exhibitions, Lined and Torn. I was able to experiment off the screen working with physical paper, crayons, and art supplies. It was another great learning experience as it was my first time designing an exhibition poster.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH TIGHT TIMELINES?

[CHLOE]: I try to delegate projects more and to stay organized. Working on projects little at a time every day helps give a sense of accomplishment.

[ALEX]: Prioritization, organization and the ability to pivot are all key to managing tight deadlines. Confidence in your ability to meet deadlines accompanied with working on each project daily helps ease stress that may arise.

FAVORITE ARTISTS?

[CHLOE]: I love Yumi Janairo Roth's works. They are so smart and fun at the same time. Her works are not restrained either – they take over their own lives after she's created them and I think that's very generous as an artist.

[ALEX]: Two that have had the biggest impact on me are Pablo Picasso and Shepard Fairey. The rebellious qualities both of them possess struck me early on. How they in different ways questioned the art world, how they both use art as a form of protest, their anti-authority ideals, and so much more.

ANY PERSONAL PROJECT IN THE WORKS?

[CHLOE]: Something is brewing in my head – I just have to get start with physically making or drawing it out. Something to do with colorful acrylic sheets and windows.

[ALEX]: A zine I released last year – Fruit For Thought. What started as a way to showcase my digital work in a physical form, quickly turned into a beautiful marriage of my backgrounds in graphic design and psychology.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM JOB?

[CHLOE]: This is my dream job! When I was in school for graphic design, I didn't know that graphic design in the museum field existed and I feel lucky that I've found the Barrick Museum.

[ALEX]: While I absolutely love design and working here at the Barrick, my dream job is to be an Elementary School Art Teacher. More on that soon...

CAN YOU SHARE ANY IMPORTANT LESSONS LEARNED IN THE TIME YOU'VE BEEN WITH THE MUSEUM?

[CHLOE]: I've learned that art can have a very big impact on people, especially children. A place where everyone can be welcomed and where creative ideas are fostered is essential for our city.

Stop by and say hello to the Barrick Team.

4505 S Maryland Pkwy.

Las Vegas, NV 89119

T&C TEE + MUG COMBO

Coming Soon

S.B.M Tees

In collaboration with Scrambled Eggs & Hasta Siempre Books

Available Now