In case you missed it, this was the scenario:
Considering there is a massive, overdue Supervolcano beneath us—we often ponder what it would be like if it erupted. Without a doubt, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West would be physically destroyed by fire, lava, ash, etc. If you were in charge of saving only 25 items from our collection, what would you save? What would you choose to start rebuilding from the ashes? Answer this question by creating a Virtual Exhibit in our Online Collection, and you might win a prize!
Contest entries were carefully judged by nine staff members including representatives from Maintenance, PR, Enterprise, Education, Development, IT, Museum Services, and the Curatorial Division.
All of the Virtual Exhibit “curators” chose to save important items, but being a keeper of historical artifacts and cultural materials is only part of a curator’s job. When it comes to sharing those objects with others, we look to the curator to interpret the collection as well.
When you check out the winners below, it’s clear that our judges were most impressed by contestants who took the time to explain why they selected their 25 objects out of more than 22,000 other possibilities in the Online Collections.
In this contest, some aimed to educate, others to entertain. Keeping the story of the American West (and all of the objects that support it) relevant to modern audiences is a challenge that we face every day at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Even if these curators don’t hold advanced degrees in history or museum studies, the thoughts and comments they share provide enough context for an engaging story. That’s what it’s all about!
Stay tuned for more Virtual Exhibit Contests in the future! Until then, wander through these winning entries by clicking on the orange exhibit titles and enjoy the commentary.
CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS!
Museum’s Choice and Grand Prize Winner: Niles with “Western Culture and Adventure”
[VirtualGallery id=”157″ slides=”3″ title=”0″]
What our judges had to say:
- Really well done in setting the stage for choosing objects that are irreplaceable, some that are useful after the disaster, and ones needed to start a new museum.
- All my selections used personalized “text panels”. This exhibit also contained a diverse selection of objects.
- Excellent commentary, thoughtful selections. There could be a bit more emphasis on Buffalo Bill but, this comment: “The same tenacious and inspiring spirit we call Western is present in every culture.” gets to the heart of what Buffalo Bill was doing in his day. Love that this curator invited viewers to go deeper on certain objects. Insight, engagement, and interaction are all great!
- This person spent some time researching their objects. They had interesting and fun commentary. I liked that we were referred to the description to find out more. Good variety.
- Good comments.
Supervolcano Superstar (most social media shares): Linda with “Phoenix Rising”
[VirtualGallery id=”193″ slides=”3″ title=”0″]
What our judges had to say:
- Focus on the disaster, theme of rebuilding from Buffalo Bill, just like in 1917, individual comments on the objects, theme statement is a good intro.
- Impressive knowledge of our collection objects, expertly curated. Obvious respect and appreciation for Buffalo Bill and ability to tell the whole story of the West using mostly Buffalo Bill-related objects. I also appreciate that they’re thinking about how they could raise money for the new Center of the West with a charity chess tournament. Can we hire this person? 🙂
- Lots of effort and a good collection.
Other Prize Package Winners:
Mary Ann with “MAT’s Cataclysm List”
What our judges had to say:
- Some personalization, good diversity
- Nice variety of objects representing our collection well. Picked objects that told stories and described history but also included a contemporary piece for fun.
- Most diversified selection.
- Well-rounded. Covered all the sweet spots: Wyoming, Cody the man/Cody the Town, Yellowstone National Park, animals.
- I liked the selection of objects from all the different museums. It included a good smattering of our best works – Moran- Golden Gate, Bierstadt – Falls, Remington – Coming Through the Rye.
Barb with “Home Again, the New American West”
What our judges had to say:
- Practical, thoughtful, humorous, creative, could’ve used a bit more focus on the collection.
- Great labels!! Fun! Objects are looked at with fresh eyes.
- I would rank this collection #1 for entertainment value but it lacks the broad scope of our collections.
- Great commentary and a more personal approach. This curator is dedicated to surviving in the new Wild West long enough to rebuild. A relatable exhibition even if it’s lacking some important historical context.
- Loved the survivalist approach with a mix of practicality and humor! Descriptions were fun to read! Enjoyed their logical approach.
- Fun! Love the survival selection but should have saved some art to decorate the sheep wagon.
- Funny comments
Clayton with “Practical Survival Guide”
What our judges had to say:
- Creative, thoughtful, focus on practical vs. objects themselves
- Fun way to look at the collection
- Entertaining and personalized
- Love the approach, practical and humorous
- Funny comments
Carl with “Reminders of my (future) Home”
What our judges had to say:
- Past and future combination. Art focus.
- Touches on the historical cultures of area, varied landscapes and wildlife
- This gallery was the only one (I believe) to save our best painting The Last of the Buffalo.
Thanks to everyone who entered our first Virtual Exhibit Contest! You helped us see our collections in a new light.
