Lucia Leigh Laughlin, Ed.M.
Director of Engagement & Learning Programs
Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ
On their Event: “Lumenous is an amazing opportunity for our visitors to get to see contemporary indigenous art, specifically digital media and projective in a way that is not the typical way that we can consume that type of media. Looking at our building and instead of seeing blank wall, looking at the architecture itself and really seeing the interplay between the art, the architecture, nature – really with a sense of place in a way that we don’t always see.”
I think this is really, uh, a story of a lot of people coming together as being a great opportunity for our space and for our community. And you know, sometimes when you see and hear a great idea, you just know it right away, and I was really excited to do whatever we could to make it happen [with AweStruct].
On the Heard using new modalities.: “Especially in the programs department, we’re really trying to make sure that we can tell the stories and share the kind of art that isn’t part of our permanent collection, or those stories and traditions that inform the setting in which those things would’ve been used or created. We’re trying to make sure that we’re telling the story of not only the past, but also the present and the future. A program like this (Lumenous) really fits within that goal of looking forward, and trying to make sure that we’re thinking about all the ways that art and culture intersect.
Thought on how Lumenous went?: “I think it’s been really, really a successful program. I’ve heard so many people who have been excited to see the art, and have so many questions about the art itself, about the artists. I’ve seen people taking a lot of great photos, really capturing the memory. So I think that it has enabled us to branch out in a new way. One of my favorite things about it is it also is helping us kind of look to the future and see about how a project like this could evolve. And really thrilled that we were able to present this art in this way in our spaces – and really enjoyed it!”
On working with aweStruct: “Working with aweStruct has been amazing. The generosity that Brett (Phares) and the team have shown us in choosing this space for one of these productions, and helping us in the alignment of our goals to uplift artists in our community has meant so much. The dedication, the number of trips out here to plan things- Mike and Brett have had tons of conversations outside of working hours and there’s just so much dedication and you can really see the professionalism all the way around. True artistry about the whole process. Brett and his team are really great about educating the artists, the community, us as staff – about the vision behind this type of projection artwork and what makes it special. To really have artists be able to use it to their best advantage and in an interesting way for them. It’s really been great to have this experience, and I know I’ve learned a lot and will remember this for a long time.
“What would you say to someone who is on the fence about hosting an event like Lumenous?”: “I’m trying to think of why they would be on the fence? So, if you were considering booking an event like this in your space, I would definitely encourage you to go for it, or at least have more exploratory conversations about it because while they have a specific approach to this type of work, they’re also very good at responding to the needs of the community as well, that they’re being part of for their events.