Museum Confidential

Live from Tulsa Oct 25, 2024

This special episode of MC was recently taped before a live audience at Philbrook Museum of Art. Our host Jeff Martin is joined by on stage by interdisciplinary artist Cannupa Hanska Luger, Brooklyn Museum curator Kimberli Gant, and Philbrook Chief Curator Kate Green. They speak in detail about why and how today's museums are diversifying (or attempting to diversify) their collections. Presented in partnership with Tulsa Town Hall.

What is American Art? Oct 12, 2024

What makes American art "American"? Let's discuss. On this episode we welcome back Philbrook curator, Susan Green to chat about the new exhibition, "American Artists, American Stories from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1776-1976." It's a sweeping, varied exhibition offering more than 100 masterworks -- by Mary Cassatt, Barkley L. Hendricks, Edward Hopper, Thomas Moran, Alice Neel, Georgia O'Keeffe, Andrew Wyeth, and many others. It runs through December 29, 2024.

From Haiti with Love Sep 27, 2024

On recent trip to Washington, D.C. we stopped by the National Gallery of Art to chat with curator Kanitra Fletcher about a new show she was preparing to debut, the first show dedicated to Haitian art in the history of the institution. As with most things in life, timing is everything. Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti opens September 29 and runs through March 9th. www.nga.gov

Re-imagining Museums Sep 15, 2024

On our Season 9 debut we talk with Stephen Reily, attorney, entrepreneur, and former Director of Louisville’s Speed Art Museum about REMUSEUM, his ambitious new project to reimagine what museums can be.

Banksy Unmasked May 30, 2024

Psyche! We’re not actually unmasking Banksy on this episode, but we are taking a closer look at the recently-opened museum in New York City dedicated to the famously anonymous street artist/activist. William Meade is the Executive Director of the Banksy Museum in Manhattan and we have no idea if he knows Banksy’s true identity. For all we know he could actually be Banksy! It’s all a bit complicated.

Art Fair Diaries: Chicago May 10, 2024

On the final installment of our ART FAIR DIARIES trilogy, Philbrook Chief Curator and roving MC correspondent, Kate Green takes us to the land of John Hughes movies and deep-dish pizza. Welcome to EXPO CHICAGO.

The Things We Keep Apr 26, 2024

Acclaimed artist Chris Ramsay’s work deals with big, universal subjects: time, space, impermanence, what we discard, and what we choose to keep. Now, after receiving an incurable cancer diagnosis, Chris is confronting the biggest questions of all.

Art Fair Diaries: Mexico City Apr 13, 2024

For this new installment in our Art Fair Diaries series, Philbrook Chief Curator (and occasional roving Museum Confidential correspondent) Kate Green reports from the biggest art fair in one of the world's biggest cities. Welcome to Mexico City.

On Sovereign Futures Mar 30, 2024

Our guest is curator Allison Glenn; we previously spoke to Glenn a few years ago about her Breonna Taylor-inspired show, "Promise, Witness, Remembrance." Now Glenn is curating a multi-venue, multi-day, multi-focused convening titled Sovereign Futures, which runs April 4th through the 7th. Per the Sovereign Futures website, various "artist-led projects will explore themes of sovereignty through...food, land, speculative futures, and histories of the place that is now called Oklahoma."

The Insider Mar 15, 2024

Our guest is acclaimed journalist Bianca Bosker, who tells us that -- when it comes to which topics she chooses to investigate and cover -- she's "obsessed with obsession." Bosker's latest book is "Get the Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See." She was a security guard at the Guggenheim. She worked in a commercial gallery. She was a studio assistant to an emerging artist. What Hunter S. Thompson did with the Hell's Angels, Bosker does with Art History majors.

The Future of Museum Funding? Feb 23, 2024

A recent headline in The New York Times read: To Save Museums, Treat Them Like Highways. There’s no shortage of conversations about museum funding models. But after reading this one, arguing that museums should be thought of more like infrastructure, it was time for another. On this episode we speak to one of the piece’s co-writers, Laura Raicovich, former Executive Director of New York’s Queens Museum.

Live in Reno with Cannupa Hanska Luger Feb 09, 2024

The Nevada Museum of Art invited us out for a live show in Reno with acclaimed indigenous artist Cannupa Hanska Luger. Futurism and speculative fiction are just two of many terms that describe Luger’s unforgettable work and the special exhibition, SPEECHLESS. On this episode we chat with Luger and Apsara DiQuinzio, the Museum’s Senior Curator of Contemporary Art.

Film & Fashion: Killers of the Flower Moon Jan 26, 2024

Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon just nabbed ten Oscar nominations, including one for Costume Design. But how do you authentically take people back to the Osage Nation of the 1920’s? How do you get every detail just right? Meet Julie O’Keefe, the Osage Nation wardrobe consultant hired to do just that.

Edward Hopper Abides Jan 12, 2024

On our first episode of 2024, we chat with the co-directors of an acclaimed new PBS American Masters documentary on legendary New York painter, Edward Hopper. “Hopper: An American Love Story” has it all; lonely people in rooms, quiet city streets, difficult relationships, and plenty of secrets revealed.

Art Basel Miami Beach: A Diary Dec 15, 2023

Art Basel Miami Beach, the biggest international modern/contemporary art fair in North America, took place earlier this month; thousands of art dealers, artists, collectors, curators, and art aficionados showed up. Kate Green, the Chief Curator & Nancy E. Meinig Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art at Philbrook Museum of Art, was among those attending this very active and multifaceted annual event (or series of events). At our request, Green kept an audio diary while she was there. She joins us on MC to share her diary and discuss this gala expo more generally.

Sharon Stone Dec 01, 2023

You probably know Sharon Stone the actress. It’s time you get to know Sharon Stone the ARTIST. Over the past few years, the Oscar nominee has turned painting into a dedicated daily practice. On this episode we talk about inspiration, early museum experiences, a new exhibition, and so much more.

Impossible Music Nov 10, 2023

We travel to Pittsburgh’s Miller Institute of Contemporary Art (Carnegie Mellon University) for the special exhibition, IMPOSSIBLE MUSIC, a fascinating collection of sounds, scores, sculptures, video, live performances, and more. First up we have a big picture chat with the ICA’s Director, Elizabeth Chodos before a deeper dive with acclaimed curator Candice Hopkins and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist/composer, Raven Chacon. IMPOSSIBLE MUSIC runs through December 10.

Trade & Transformation Oct 27, 2023

Every object holds a story. That’s the idea behind the thought-provoking new Philbrook exhibition, TRADE & TRANSFORMATION. Curator Kalyn Fay Barnoski (Cherokee Nation enrollee, Muscogee descent) originated and organized the exhibition. On this episode she joins us to chat about how she came to create it. Trade & Transformation is on view through December 30. Details at Philbrook.org.

Live in Iowa: Words & Pictures Oct 13, 2023

In 2008, a catastrophic flood shut down the art museum on the University of Iowa campus. 15 years later, the museum has finally reopened with a new building, new name (The Stanley), and a new catalog created in partnership with the legendary Iowa Writer’s Workshop. They invited us up to chat about all of it.

Scorsese, Songs, and More with Randall Poster Sep 22, 2023

From time to time we explore the question, “what is a curator?” For the past 30 years, Randall Poster has been searching for, securing rights for, and working alongside directors to find the perfect moment for music in countless films. The official job title is Music Supervisor. It could easily be called “Music Curator.” In 2023 alone, his slate includes Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City,” Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” and Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Erasing History Sep 08, 2023

Video journalist Alexandra Eaton of The New York Times joins us to share an unforgettable story that begins with a painting created in 1837 New Orleans. It depicts a well-to-do family’s three children and a Black enslaved child named Bélizaire. Decades later, Bélizaire was removed from the portrait. Experts have restored the work to its original state, revealing the enslaved youth who had been painted out of history. It goes on display this fall at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Summer Vacation to “Dalíland” Jul 21, 2023

In the new biopic, Dalíland, acclaimed director Mary Harron give us a glimpse into the Salvador Dalí’s later years in 70s New York City via the immense talents of Academy Award-winner, Sir Ben Kingsley. From her look at attempted assassin Valerie Solanas in I Shot Andy Warhol to the murderous broker Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, Harron has always been attracted to infamous, challenging, and to put it lightly, difficult people.

The film is now on demand now wherever you watch movies. On our special summer episode we chat with Harron about Dalíland and much more.

Live from Hawaii May 26, 2023

For our Season 7 finale, we travel to the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) to chat with an architect and a neurologist about the intersections of art, science, and nature.

Preserving the Digital World May 13, 2023

With more and more of our lives now being lived online -- and with more and more of our stuff existing only in the cloud -- how best should we preserve art...and culture...and everything else worth saving? On this go-round of Museum Confidential, we speak with Richard Rinehart, the Director of the Samek Art Gallery at Bucknell University. He's also the co-author of an interesting new book titled "Re-Collection: Art, New Media, and Social Memory."

Life in the Archives Apr 28, 2023

On this edition of MC, we've got mad props for all the archivists and librarians in the house. The stewardship that these professionals bring to MuseumLand is as multifaceted as it is vital: caretaking, cataloging, researching, locating, documenting, preserving, updating, etc. Our guest is Saige Blanchard, the Library and Collection Information Specialist at Philbrook. She also tells us about a new rare book exhibit that just opened.

The Art of the Record Store Apr 19, 2023

Founded by artist Theaster Gates, the Rebuild Foundation has been transforming buildings and neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago since 2009 with art projects, community gathering spaces, small businesses, and more. Their latest venture is a vinyl shop called Miyagi Records. On this episode we do a little crate digging with the project leaders, Nigel Ridgeway and Marco Jacobo.

Sir Roger Deakins & James Deakins Mar 24, 2023

This episode offers a career-spanning chat with Oscar-winning cinematographer, Sir Roger Deakins, and his wife/longtime collaborator, James Deakins. Known for his collaborations with Coen brothers (Fargo), Sam Mendes (1917), and Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049), Deakins began his life in film as a still photographer. He published his first-ever book of photographs, "Byways," in late 2021. Many of those photos (alongside unseen works) are now on view in Tulsa at the recently-opened photography gallery, The Hulett Collection. On view through April 29.

Rembrandt to Monet Mar 10, 2023

Museums rarely allow their most beloved works to travel. But Omaha’s Joslyn Art Museum is under renovation. An opportunity arose. Now through May 28, Philbrook presents 500 years of European treasures from that acclaimed collection. Featuring paintings by the likes of Rembrandt, Monet, El Greco, Titian, and Renoir, there’s no shortage of star power. Philbrook Curator Susan Green tells us all about it.

The American South...at the Royal Academy of Arts Feb 24, 2023

London's Royal Academy of Arts will soon open a special exhibition titled, SOULS GROWN DEEP LIKE RIVERS: BLACK ARTISTS FROM THE AMERICAN SOUTH. Created in partnership with the Souls Grown Deep Foundation in Atlanta, the exhibit will showcase 60+ works by notable Black artists over the last century. We speak with the curator of this show, Raina Lampkins-Fielder.

The Value of Art Feb 10, 2023

What is the “art market?” A decade ago, Michael Findlay published “The Value of Art” to explore this very question. But the world has changed in many ways since the book’s initial release. A global pandemic, MeToo, Black Lives Matter, crypto currency, and other factors have impacted how people and institutions are buying/selling art. Michael has just released a new, updated edition. Much to discuss.

Jeffrey Gibson Jan 27, 2023

A work by Mississippi Choctaw/Cherokee artist Jeffrey Gibson is instantly recognizable. This is even more impressive given the variety of his output. He paints, sculpts, repurposes, re-contextualizes, creates performances, and more. On this episode we chat with Gibson about his past, his work, and a current exhibition at the Aspen Art Museum called, “The Spirits are Laughing.”

Van Gogh in America Jan 13, 2023

A century ago, the Detroit Institute of Arts became the first U.S. museum to purchase a painting by Vincent van Gogh. Now they’re hosting America’s largest Van Gogh exhibition in a generation. On this episode we chat with DIA curator Jill Shaw about this massive undertaking.

Art, Artists, and LP Covers: An Extended Chit-Chat Dec 30, 2022

MC is closing down 2022 with a one-hour special -- a breezy, somewhat geeky, opinionated, and taped-live-in-the-studio conversation between host Jeff Martin and producer Scott Gregory. The discussion topic is outstanding LP covers as rendered by known and/or notable artists. Kind of a long title, of course, but you get the idea -- and it's a pretty fun listen. With a few tangents, yes, but with lots of tasty music clips as well. Kick back, relax, and turn it up.

Painting Michelle Obama Dec 16, 2022

Acclaimed artist Sharon Sprung had to wait years before she could tell the world that she was commissioned to paint Michelle Obama’s official White House portrait. On this episode we chat with Sprung from her Brooklyn studio about painting, patience, and what’s it’s like to have a First Lady drop by.

Sneaker Art at 20 Dec 02, 2022

On this episode we get a few kicks with British artist Dave White who pioneered the sneaker art movement 20 years ago. His portraits of popular shoes led to collaborations with Nike, Jordan, and countless other brands. But Dave is no mere “sneakerhead.” His recent work is more concerned with the ground we stand on than the things we stand in.

Hilton Als on Joan Didion Nov 11, 2022

Well before Joan Didion’s death in December 2021, acclaimed writer and New Yorker magazine contributor Hilton Als was hard at work on a show for LA’s Hammer Museum. But how can one exhibition grapple with Didion’s big, uniquely American life? This episode explores that and much more. “Joan Didion: What She Means” runs through February 19, 2023.

Special Report: Hurricanes and Museums Oct 28, 2022

With climate change and more frequent weather events, what does the future hold for coastal museums? On this special episode we speak with Courtney McNeil, Director and Chief Curator at the Baker Museum in Naples, Florida. This conversation was recorded in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

Prudes, Puritans, and American Museums Oct 14, 2022

For the past few decades, American artist/sexual anthropologist Betony Vernon has been living in Europe, designing erotic jewelry, writing books, and generally following her creative muse. We caught up with Betony while she was back in the states for the inaugural FORMAT festival in northwest Arkansas.

Cheech & Chicano Art Sep 23, 2022

The one and only Cheech Marin (Cheech & Chong) stops by to discuss his recently opened museum, The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture. Nicknamed “The Cheech,” the 61,420-square-foot, two-story center resides in what used to be the downtown public library in Riverside, California and houses nearly 500 paintings, drawings, and sculptures. That's a lot, man. Far out.

The Hidden History of Black Cinema Sep 09, 2022

On our Season 7 premiere, we visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles for the opening of a groundbreaking new exhibition, REGENERATION: BLACK CINEMA 1898–1971. Enjoy a fascinating chat with exhibition’s co-curators, Doris Berger, Vice President of Curatorial Affairs at the Academy Museum, and Rhea Combs, Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery.

The Whataburger Museum of Art Aug 19, 2022

We’re cooking up something tasty on this special summer episode and taking a bite out of the Whataburger Museum of Art. Is it really a museum? What’s the submission process? Is it curated? Is this pure marketing or something genuine? We explore this and much more with Whataburger Marketing Director Brooks Boenig alongside participating artists Mayra Zamora and Kristin Moore.

Museums Abide (Our 100th Show!) May 27, 2022

From a fire at the Smithsonian in 1865 to the Covid-19 pandemic, museums have faced challenge after challenge, and have survived. That didn't happen by accident. On our final MC episode for Season 6 -- and our 100th overall! -- we survey the general state of museums today with Samuel Redman, author of "The Museum: A Short History of Crisis and Resilience."

Stuffy Old Museum: Tone 101 May 13, 2022

How can a small museum in the middle of the country have an impact on par with bigger institutions? How can we fight above our weight class in the arena of ideas? On this special episode we team up with MuseumNext to explore the value of tone and crafting a unique institutional voice. Your intrepid host (Jeff) finally gets his turn in the hot seat. Things get interesting.

A Star is Born (at 86) Apr 29, 2022

Shirley Woodson was born in 1936. She grew up and still lives in Detroit. It’s her city, her muse. At 86 the artist recently opened her first ever solo exhibition at her hometown museum, The Detroit Institute of Arts. “Shirley Woodson: Shield of the Nile Reflections” features 11 of the artist’s big, vibrant canvases depicting black bathers in rivers. On this episode we chat with the busy-as-ever artist and Valerie Mercer, the exhibition’s curator and head of the DIA’s Center for African American Art.

Surrealists at War Apr 15, 2022

What role can artists and creatives play in wartime? On this episode we chat with acclaimed author Lesley M.M. Blume about her recent Town & Country article, “The Art of War: How the Surrealists Helped Upend Camouflage and Redefine Modern Battle.” In a globe-spanning investigation filled with big art world names like Gorky and Dalí, the story proves once and for all that truth is stranger than fiction.

Read the article at https://www.townandcountrymag.com/

The Secret History of the World’s Most Erotic Masterpiece Mar 25, 2022

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we explore Gustave Courbet’s perennially provocative 1866 work, “L’Origine du Monde (The Origin of the World)” with artist/writer Lilianne Milgrom, author of “L'Origine: The Secret Life of the World's Most Erotic Masterpiece.” Milgrom was the first artist authorized by the Musée d’Orsay to re-create Courbet’s scandalous masterpiece.

Troy Montes-Michie Mar 11, 2022

Troy Montes-Michie was born in El Paso. Border towns are a natural mash-up of cultures, traditions, languages, food, fashion, and nearly everything else. It’s no surprise that Montes-Michie turned his focus to collage, creating instantly recognizable works using magazine clippings, pornography, images of the Black male body, and plenty of zoot suits. In “Rock of Eye,” the artist’s first solo museum exhibition, these collages can be seen alongside, drawings, sculptures, and installations. On view through September 4th at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles.

Beeple Comes Alive Feb 25, 2022

Mike Winkelmann has been creating digital art for over two decades. He’s 40 years old, lives in South Carolina, and has a computer science degree from Purdue. But this isn’t a show about Mike Winkelmann. This is a show about Beeple, the name by which Winkelmann is best known, the name that took the art world by storm in 2021 when an NFT of his nearly 15-year project, EVERYDAYS, sold for a record $69.3 million. Still not sure what NFTs are? We’ll get to that.

The Spiritual Side of Art Feb 11, 2022

In the years before World War 2, a group of artists gathered in New Mexico to “carry painting beyond the appearance of the physical world, through new concepts of space, color, light, and design, to imaginative realms that are idealistic and spiritual.” They called themselves the TRANSCENDENTAL PAINTING GROUP. On this episode we chat with Philbrook Curator Susan Green about the special exhibition, ANOTHER WORLD, the first comprehensive traveling exhibition to explore work by the group. On view at Philbrook through Feburary 20, 2022.

Who's Harold Stevenson? Jan 28, 2022

Oklahoma artist Harold Stevenson (1929-2018) created big paintings and lived an even bigger life in New York, Paris, Key West, and the Hamptons, becoming best friends with Andy Warhol along the way. For much of the past decade, Dian Jordan (The University of Texas Permian Basin) has been researching Stevenson’s singular life, gathering an archive, and laying the groundwork for a definitive biography.

Live From Aspen: Why Warhol Persists Jan 07, 2022

We haven’t done a live audience show in ages. So when the invitation came to travel to Aspen, Colorado for the opening of a new Andy Warhol show at the Aspen Art Museum, we jumped at the opportunity. ANDY WARHOL: LIFETIMES is a career-spanning show originated at the Tate Modern. The AAM invited Los Angeles-based artist Monica Majoli to re-conceptualize the presentation. It’s invigorating. This chat features Majoli, Assistant Curator Simone Krug, and the Museum’s Director, Nicola Lees.

Mark Mothersbaugh Dec 17, 2021

Mark Mothersbaugh has been a creative force for well over 40 years. From co-founding DEVO to scoring countless films and shows, his impact is undeniable. That body of work includes many collaborations with filmmaker Wes Anderson (“The Royal Tenenbaums”). We invited Mark to provide an exclusive musical experience for our special exhibition, “THIS IS AN ADVENTURE: Accidentally Wes Anderson.” To our great surprise, he said yes.

Barbara Kruger: It’s Not a Retrospective Dec 03, 2021

Barbara Kruger’s images and texts have been a consistent source of cultural commentary for decades. Her new exhibition, THINKING OF YOU. I MEAN ME. I MEAN YOU, dominates several spaces in the Art Institute of Chicago. On this episode we chat with the exhibition’s co-curator, Robyn Farrell about the artist, the show, and why it's definitely NOT a retrospective.

Van Gogh: The Fanboy Nov 19, 2021

Few artists have work as instantly recognizable as Vincent van Gogh. But as original and unique as it seems, the work stands on the shoulders of many others. That’s exactly what Pulitzer Prize-winning author and acclaimed artist Steven Naifeh explores in his latest book, Van Gogh and the Artists He Loved. Furthering the work that began with his landmark 2011 biography Van Gogh: The Life, Naifeh let’s us in on a completely new side of Vincent: the fanboy.

Beyond the "Bad Art Friend" Nov 05, 2021

We hear the word “viral” all the time. But very few things actually go viral. A recent exception is “Who Is the Bad Art Friend?,” a nearly ten-thousand-word feature in The New York Times by Robert Kolker. The story identifies a dispute between two writers that involves Facebook, a kidney donation, and explores the question, “who owns our personal stories?” Journalist Sarah Cascone joins us to discuss a related legal battle involving Andy Warhol and Prince. It’s complicated.

Judy Chicago Oct 22, 2021

On the occasion of her first career retrospective, we sit down with legendary artist/feminist Judy Chicago. The exhibition , now on view at San Francisco’s de Young Museum, includes approximately 130 paintings, prints, drawings, and ceramic sculptures, in addition to ephemera, several films, and a documentary. We also talk about smoke sculptures. What’s a smoke sculpture? We’ll get to that.

John Lurie Oct 08, 2021

Many people have been incorrectly hailed as a “Renaissance Man,” but it perfectly describes Mr. John Lurie. Music, acting, painting, writing, he’s done it all. With a long-gestating memoir just out and a second season of HBO’s “Painting with John” now in production, we recently caught up with Lurie for a wide-ranging chat.

The Smithsonian Goes Hip-Hop Sep 17, 2021

The long-awaited Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap just dropped. The set includes 129 tracks on 9 discs and a hefty 300–page book with original design by Cey Adams, acclaimed artist and founding creative director of Def Jam Recordings. From his early subway graffiti days alongside Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat to designing classic albums for Beastie Boys and LL Cool J, Adams has been at the epicenter of hip-hop culture. He spoke to us from his studio in New York City.

The Outsiders? Sep 03, 2021

What is an “outsider artist?” Do we even call them that anymore? In recent years the term shifted to “self-taught artist.” Sounds different. But does it mean the same thing? On this episode we chat with Dr. Katherine Jentleson, the Merrie and Dan Boone Curator of Folk and Self-Taught Art at the High Museum in Atlanta. The High recently opened two companion shows focusing on this very topic.

Teaser: "It's Confidential" Sep 02, 2021

The secret's out! Season 6 of Museum Confidential starts Friday 9/3! Enjoy this early listen to our new season theme song performed by Oklahoma's own Broncho. Written by Broncho's Ryan Lindsey and MC Host Jeff Martin.

Greenwood Rising Jun 25, 2021

On the season finale of Museum Confidential 2021 we sit down with Philbrook President/CEO Scott Stulen and Phil Armstrong, Project Director for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. Phil has been leading the effort to open Greenwood Rising, a history center located at the gateway to Tulsa's Historic Greenwood District. Greenwood Rising honors the icons of Black Wall Street, memorializes the victims of the massacre, and examines the lessons of the past.

The Legacy of Survival Jun 11, 2021

Through the use of artificial intelligence and augmented reality, the new exhibit, THE LEGACY OF SURVIVAL, allows anyone to interact with and interview the centenarian survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This episode includes remarks from Dr. Tiffany Crutcher (Terence Crutcher Foundation), Greg Robinson (Tulsa Community Remembrance Coalition), and Mother Viola Fletcher (age 107). "The Legacy of Survival" is on view at Gilcrease Museum through June 19, 2021.

The Kinsey Collection May 21, 2021

The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection tells the story of African American triumphs and accomplishments from 1595 to present day. From May 22-June 30, the collection will be on view at the Greenwood Cultural Center and the Gathering Place. Two locations. One show. This episode presents a live conversation with Bernard and Khalil Kinsey, Michelle Brown (Greenwood Cultural Center), and author Hannibal B. Johnson. Moderated by Gathering Place Executive Director Tony Moore.

Rick Lowe May 07, 2021

Rick Lowe is one of the two Lead Artists for the Greenwood Art Project alongside William Cordova. Born in Alabama, but a longtime resident of Houston, Lowe's work is widely acclaimed and collected. He was awarded a coveted MacArthur "Genius Grant" in 2014. On this episode we chat with Lowe about the ongoing work of the Greenwood Art Project and the upcoming centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

The 1921 Black Wall Street Online Directory Apr 23, 2021

On this 75th episode of Museum Confidential we chat with Mikeal Vaughn of the Urban Coders Guild. This spring the Urban Coders Guild student cohorts will use their acquired web and mobile application development skills to create a collection of websites and an accompanying mobile app for the businesses lost in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Co-hosted by Greenwood Art Project Program Director Jerica Wortham.

A Portrait of Breonna Taylor Apr 02, 2021

On this episode we road trip to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art to chat with Associate Curator, Allison Glenn. Promise, Witness, Remembrance at Louisville, Kentucky's Speed Art Museum, guest-curated by Glenn, reflects on the life of Breonna Taylor, her killing in 2020, and the year of protests that followed. The exhibition is organized around the three words of its title, which emerged from a conversation between Glenn and Tamika Palmer, Breonna's mother. On view April 7-June 6.

Sam Pollard Mar 19, 2021

Acclaimed documentary director, editor, and producer Sam Pollard joins us to talk about his recent films Black Art: In the Absence of Light, MLK/FBI, and his storied career. From serving as Spike Lee's longtime editor (Jungle Fever, Clockers, 4 Little Girls) to directing one of the earliest films on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre (Goin' Back to T-Town, 1993), Pollard has made an indelible impact by telling Black stories through film.

Rebuilding Black Wall Street Mar 05, 2021

TheRese Aduni has been hard at work on her documentary, "Rebuilding Black Wall Street." The film uses 16mm film footage shot by TheRese's father and chronicles the men and women who rebuilt Greenwood in the aftermath of 1921. This episode also features artist William Cordova, one of the Greenwood Art Project's two lead artists. Co-hosted by GAP Project Director, Jerica Wortham.

The Godfather of Cool Feb 19, 2021

2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the classic crime film SHAFT, directed Gordon Parks. Parks was a filmmaker, writer, musician, and one of the 20th century’s great photographers. A recent piece in the New York Times called him, “The Godfather of Cool.” Not bad for the youngest of 15 children from Fort Scott, Kansas. Fort Scott is now home to the Gordon Parks Museum. On this episode we catch up with the Museum’s Director, Kirk Sharp.

The Greenwood Art Project Feb 05, 2021

A new season begins in partnership with the Greenwood Art Project, an initiative of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. To get a broader view of the project we chat with anthropologist/archivist Marlon Hall who handles the project’s unique use of social media, Kode Ransom who runs the GAP mobile outreach efforts, and Program Director, Jerica Wortham. Jerica will serve as Co-Host on several episodes this season.

OUR PEOPLE: Susan Billy Jan 01, 2021

On the final episode of OUR PEOPLE, Rebecca Nagle chats with artist Susan Billy (Pomo) about family, traditions, basketry, and more. Susan is the granddaughter of Pomo basket weaver Susan Santiago Billy. Presented in connection with the landmark special exhibition, “Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists” (through 1/3/21). Hosted by journalist/podcaster, Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee). Music by Oklahoma musician, Kalyn Fay (Cherokee/Muscogee).

OUR PEOPLE: Kelly Church Dec 24, 2020

On the penultimate episode of OUR PEOPLE, Rebecca chats with artist Kelly Church (Ottawa/Pottawatomi) about basketry, invasive bugs, sustainability, and more. Presented in connection with the landmark special exhibition, “Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists” (through 1/3/21). Hosted by journalist/podcaster, Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee). Music by Oklahoma musician, Kalyn Fay (Cherokee/Muscogee).

The Wright Time: Part 2 Dec 18, 2020

Let's go back to Arizona. In part 2 of our look at the impact of the COVID-19 era on the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, we go a bit deeper and chat with the department heads who keep the wheels turning. Recorded live on-site at Taliesin West.

OUR PEOPLE: Cara Romero Dec 17, 2020

On the third episode of OUR PEOPLE, Rebecca sits down (virtually) with artist/photographer, Cara Romero (Chemehuevi ). Now based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Cara grew up alternating between the rural Chemehuevi reservation in Mojave Desert, CA and the urban sprawl of Houston, TX. Presented in connection with the landmark special exhibition, “Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists” (on view through 1/3/21). Hosted by journalist/podcaster, Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee). Music by Oklahoma musician, Kalyn Fay (Cherokee/Muscogee). New episodes every week in December.

The Wright Time: Part 1 Dec 11, 2020

Our intrepid host reports from an unforgettable desert journey to Taliesin West in Arizona, home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. In late 2019 we were invited by the Foundation to do a live show for a real, human audience (remember those?). But then the world changed. We kept our promise, took the trip, and left with a deep-dive exploration of how cultural sites are surviving the COVID-19 era. On this episode we speak with Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation President and CEO Stuart Graff.

OUR PEOPLE: America Meredith Dec 10, 2020

On this episode of OUR PEOPLE, Rebecca chats with acclaimed artist and First American Art Magazine editor, America Meredith (Cherokee) about her work, family, and more. Presented in connection with the landmark special exhibition, “Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists” (on view through 1/3/21). Hosted by journalist/podcaster, Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee). Music by Oklahoma musician, Kalyn Fay (Cherokee/Muscogee). New episodes every week in December.

OUR PEOPLE: Anita Fields Dec 03, 2020

In connection with the landmark special exhibition, Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists (on view through 1/3/21), Museum Confidential presents a new limited series hosted by journalist/podcaster, Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee) highlighting artists in the exhibition. Music for the series provided by Oklahoma musician, Kalyn Fay (Cherokee/Muscogee). New episodes every week in December. On this episode Rebecca chats with acclaimed artist, Anita Fields (Osage) about her life, work, and much more.

Do Museums Have a Docent Problem? Nov 20, 2020

Docents, volunteers, tour guides, whatever you want to call them, have been and remain an important part of the museum visitor experience. As the world and demographics change, how do museums make sure volunteers keep up with the change and remain relevant to modern audiences and concerns? On this episode we chat with journalist Sophie Haigney about her recent Slate article, "Museums Have a Docent Problem."

Art for Justice Nov 06, 2020

Agnes Gund is a legend in the art world for her collection, her philanthropy, and her decision in 2017 to sell a painting by Roy Lichtenstein for $165 million and launch the Art for Justice Fund. She’s also the subject of the new documentary, AGGIE. The film was directed by Agnes’ daughter and acclaimed documentarian, Catherine Gund. The film is available now in virtual theaters and on demand. On this episode we chat with Catherine Gund about her work, this film, her larger-than-life mother, and how/where art and social justice intersect. aggiefilm.com

Accidentally Wes Anderson Oct 23, 2020

We miss movies. Due to the pandemic, the latest Wes Anderson movie has been bumped to 2021. But fans aren’t leaving 2020 empty handed. One of our favorite Instagram feeds the past few years is the gentle escapism of ACCIDENTALLY WES ANDERSON, a curated selection of crowdsourced photos/stories of buildings, landscapes, and other aesthetically pleasing content evoking the Andersonian world. Many of the best ACCIDENTALLY WES ANDERSON posts have now been compiled into a beautiful new book of the same name. On this episode we chat with AWA’s Founder and content curator, Wally Koval.

Native Women Artists Oct 09, 2020

On this episode we explore the groundbreaking exhibition, "Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists" with Philbrook Curator Christina Burke. The first of its kind and years in the making, this show honors the achievements of over 100 Native women artists from the United States and Canada spanning over 1,000 years. On view at Philbrook through January 3, 2021.

Imaginary Museums Sep 24, 2020

What is a museum? We know it's more than a big building with paintings on walls and objects in cases. But could our own homes be museums about us? On this episode we speak with author Rachel Morris about her new book, THE MUSEUM MAKERS, a fascinating true story that begins with boxes under a bed and leads to an exploration of imaginary museums, why we collect, and how we curate our own lives.

Season 4 Teaser Trailer Sep 10, 2020

The Museum of Racist Objects Jun 17, 2020

On this episode we revisit our unforgettable conversation with Dr. David Pilgrim, Founder and Curator of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University in Michigan. Museums aren't always meant to be enjoyable experiences. That doesn't mean they are not important and essential. The Jim Crow Museum was born out of Dr. Pilgrim's personal collection, one that began decades ago while growing up in Alabama.

How We Reopen Jun 12, 2020

Season 3 Finale. How does a museum reopen in the wake of COVID-19? What are the changes and challenges museums face in this new world? We explore this topic and more with Philbrook President/CEO Scott Stulen and Deputy Directors Megan Nesbit and Rachel Keith.

We have much work to do Jun 07, 2020

What follows is a statement recently released by Philbrook. It was created and edited in collaboration with the museum staff, leadership, and Board of Trustees.

Sarah Urist Green May 22, 2020

On this episode, Philbrook Director Scott Stulen steps in as Guest Host for a fascinating chat with writer and curator, Sarah Urist Green. Sarah is host of the popular PBS web series, The Art Assignment and author of the new book, You Are an Artist: Assignments to Spark Creation.

Letter From Prison (to a cat) May 08, 2020

Philbrook recently kicked off a pen pal program for the museum cats. A bit of connection in the COVID-19 era. If you write them a letter, they write back. That's the deal. The program took off quickly and mail began arriving daily from around the country and around the world. Some from kids, some from adults. Some silly, some quite moving. Some from other cats (kind of). But one recent arrival stood out. The return address on the envelope was a prison. The letter inside was unforgettable.

Jerry Saltz May 01, 2020

In the age of Rotten Tomatoes, likes, and shares, we are all critics. But a rarified few have transcended the trends and held onto a corner of the zeitgeist. No American critic has been more successful at this than New York Magazine’s Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic, Jerry Saltz. In his new book HOW TO BE AN ARTIST, he distills his life into a mission statement of sorts. On this episode we chat with Jerry from his quarantine hideout where he’s holed up with his wife, New York Times art critic, Roberta Smith.

April 19, 1995 Apr 19, 2020

A special episode commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing. We chat with OKC Mayor David Holt and Kari Watkins, longtime Executive Director of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Can't-miss conversations on remembrance, resilience, and observing one tragedy while living through another (Covid-19).

Broad Strokes Apr 10, 2020

It's not breaking news to say that women artists have often been ignored or even purposefully excluded from the canon. As we continue celebrating the 100th anniversary of passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, we sit down with acclaimed author Bridget Quinn to discuss her book, "Broad Strokes: 15 Women Who Made Art and Made History (in That Order)."

Engagement in the Age of Coronavirus Mar 25, 2020

In a special episode we air an important conversation hosted by museum engagement company, Cuseum. More than 3,000 museum professionals around the globe tuned in to “How to Keep Your Audience Engaged, Entertained, and Inspired in the Age of Coronavirus.” Featuring Philbrook Director Scott Stulen and Seema Rao, Deputy Director and Chief Experience Officer at Akron Art Museum. Moderated by Cuseum’s Brendan Ciecko.

The Scientific Method Mar 13, 2020

Art museums account for less than 5% of all American museums. More than half fall into the history category. Science and technology museums barely make up 1% of the overall industry yet host millions of annual visitors. On this episode we travel to Dallas’ Perot Museum of Nature and Science to get a look at how these museums work from the inside out.

Metropolitan Stories Feb 28, 2020

2020 marks the 150th anniversary of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Christine Coulson worked at The Met for a quarter of a century in a variety of roles. She left a couple of years ago to write full time and the result is her acclaimed debut novel, “Metropolitan Stories.” On this episode we chat with Christine about the real stories behind her fictional world.

Year of the Woman Feb 14, 2020

2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment to the constitution, giving American women the right to vote. Last fall, the Baltimore Museum of Art announced a bold initiative. Only 4% of the museum’s 95,000 artworks were created by women. Throughout this year, every artwork the museum purchases will have been created by a woman artist. On this episode we travel to Baltimore for a chat with BMA Director, Christopher Bedford.

Museums Get Organized Jan 23, 2020

There’s a bit of a trend happening in the museum world. Museums are unionizing. And while this trend is somewhat isolated to New York and California, it’s a development that can’t be ignored. One of the museums to recently organize is the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan. On this episode we chat with Andres Puerta, Director of Special Projects for IUOE Local 30.

Special Report: #MuseumMeToo Jan 14, 2020

In a special report we speak with New York Times reporters Robin Pogrebin and Zachary Small about their bombshell investigation into 31-year-old (now former) Erie Art Museum Director, Joshua Helmer and his related sexual harassment scandals at that institution and his previous employer, the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Colleen Dilenschneider Jan 10, 2020

One name keeps popping up as one of the most important young voices on the future of museums. That name is Colleen Dilenschneider. Through short videos, presentations, and data driven articles on her website, Colleen consistently boils down industry studies and presents them in a digestible and reliably optimistic way. Think Malcolm Gladwell as a giddy millennial. On this episode we chat with Colleen about that future she’s always taking about.

Frank Lloyd Wright Revisited Dec 20, 2019

2019 marks the 60th anniversary (October 1959) of New York’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. The Guggenheim was the final and perhaps crowning achievement of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 2019 is also the 60th anniversary of Wright’s death (April 1959). All these decades later, the legendary architect remains a complicated figure. On this episode we sit down with acclaimed author and longtime Washington Post reporter Paul Hendrickson to chat about his polarizing and kaleidoscopic new biography of Wright, “Plagued By Fire."

All About That ($14.5 Million) Vase Dec 05, 2019

Museums acquire. They keep. They care for their objects. And it always causes a bit of a stir when a Museum decides to sell something from its collection. In May of 2018, at Christie’s in Hong Kong, an 18th century Chinese vase owned by Philbrook Museum of Art sold for $14.5 million. On this episode we chat with Philbrook Director Scott Stulen to learn the real story behind this potentially controversial decision.

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