DU Alumni / Magazine Feature / People

Alumna gets her hands on history at Loveland museum

Alumna Jennifer Cousino (MA anthropology ’97) never imagined that becoming a museum curator would give her the opportunity to learn blacksmithing.

While working as a curator for the Loveland Museum/Gallery in Loveland, Colo., Cousino prepared the Foote and Stoddard Blacksmith and Livery Stable exhibit. In creating the display, she was able to learn how to turn iron into everyday items.

“It helps me present the story so much more clearly if I have a personal understanding of the process being explained,” Cousino says. “I learn something new almost every day.”

Cousino, 38, first discovered the Loveland Museum when she went to a bead exhibition and bazaar hosted there.

“I was so impressed with the quality of the museum that I made sure to keep my eyes open for any possible job opportunities,” Cousino says. “I feel very lucky to have this job.”

Her job has her acquiring objects for the museum’s collection and developing the exhibits in addition to managing volunteers, writing grants and presenting educational programs to schools and community groups.

Out of all her tasks, she says working with artisans is the most rewarding.

“I enjoy working with craftspeople and collectors to create an exhibit that tells a complete and accurate story,” she says. “I especially enjoy exhibits where I have the opportunity to learn about something hands-on.”

Half of the exhibits are focused on local history and the other half on contemporary art. Sometimes, the history exhibits speak about a time period that influenced the artwork in the galleries.

“Our visitors are often surprised to find that they enjoy the art exhibitions even though they came to view the history exhibits. The reverse is also true,” Cousino says.

Upcoming exhibits at the Loveland Museum/Gallery include: “Dali Illustrates Dante’s Divine Comedy and Dali’s Vision: Photographs of Salvador Dali by Phillippe Halsman,” which runs through Jan. 31, 2010; and “Time Machines: Sculpture by Randy Mulder,” which runs through March 28, 2010.

For more information, please visit the Loveland museum Web site.

Comments are closed.