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What do Nancy Ekholm Burkert, Ai Kijima, and Roy Superior have in common? In addition to being artists represented in RAM’s collection, they also had works selected by museum staff, board, and volunteers for inclusion in the Twentieth Anniversary exhibition, RAM Staff Selects. In an effort to broaden the voices heard in the galleries and acknowledge the critical role staff, board, and volunteers play in getting an organization to a milestone anniversary, the curatorial process shifted into the hands of those who are not typically selecting works for display.

With a group that favors objects over images and takes advantage of North America’s largest contemporary craft collection, the works selected are as varied as the artists and the individuals making the selections. Featured pieces include Wendell Castle’s silver leaf-topped desk, Robert Ebendorf’s necklace made of items found on a beach, Mariko Kusumoto’s multi-piece metal theatre set diorama, and Mark Newport’s embroidered comic book cover. Several works chosen were also voted as favorites in 2013 when the public was invited to select their most beloved pieces for RAM’s Tenth Anniversary.

Those selecting works were encouraged to share their rationale for their choices, if so desired, which are included on label copy and in gallery handouts.