New York City’s museums and galleries are celebrating the artistic talents of their employees through a series of staff art shows. These exhibitions allow museum staff members, many of whom are accomplished artists in their own right, to showcase their creative works to the public. The initiative aims to provide recognition to employees whose artistry might otherwise remain obscured by their roles within these prestigious institutions.
The inaugural staff art show at the Parsons School of Design, titled “Making Time,” will be on display from October 16 through November 9, 2023, at the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center. This show exemplifies the opportunity for staff to gain visibility alongside notable artists. According to a recent announcement, it emphasizes that many staff members, regardless of their job titles, are practicing artists.
Eleanor Lovinsky, a participant in the Whitney Museum of Art’s staff show for the past two years, shared her experience. “It makes you realize that people who work at museums, even if they’re facility staff, are often artists themselves,” she said. Lovinsky’s sculptural pieces have incorporated unconventional materials, including “slides from abandoned buildings” and recycled items like a birdcage. The Whitney’s next staff show is set for October 9 through November 9, 2025, at Westbeth Gallery, featuring over 80 staff artists.
Midrene Lamy, associate manager of community programs and partnerships at the Whitney, has also participated in multiple staff art shows. She appreciates the motivation the exhibitions provide, allowing her to set deadlines for her charcoal drawings. Lamy values the sense of equality fostered by these shows, where all contributors, regardless of their roles, can exhibit their art. “It’s so nice to be able to be amongst my peers,” she noted, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of her colleagues.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is renowned for its staff art show, which has been held biennially since 1935. The next exhibition is scheduled for 2026 and promises to feature a wide variety of artistic expressions from nearly 700 employees. According to Daniel Kershaw, the museum’s exhibition design manager, the extensive range of art displayed reflects the diverse nationalities and cultures of the staff. He described the installation process as “an exhausting but thrilling adventure.”
In 2024, the Metropolitan’s staff show showcased art ranging from large installations to whimsical tributes, including a homage to William the Hippo, the museum’s unofficial mascot. Previous shows had primarily served as internal celebrations of staff creativity, but the 2024 exhibition marked only the second time it was open to the public.
The School of Visual Arts recently wrapped up its 13th annual All-Staff Art Show, which included a variety of media from the college’s administrative staff. Pieces ranged from photographs of classic New York scenes to innovative zines and multimedia artworks. Similarly, the New York Academy of Art hosted their annual staff art show from May 30 to July 27, 2023, featuring works from various staff members, showcasing a range of techniques and styles.
Organizations like Pace Gallery, which concluded their staff exhibition titled “In No Particular Order” on August 14, 2023, have also embraced this tradition. This exhibition featured over 50 works, including glass art and multimedia pieces, further demonstrating the creative prowess within the art community.
Christie’s has hosted staff art shows since 1984, treating the works exhibited with the same respect afforded to established artists. Business manager Maya Manaktala noted that the art displayed is typically much more affordable, with price estimates ranging from $100 to $4,000, compared to much higher estimates for auctions featuring works by renowned artists.
In a reflection on the value of these exhibitions, veteran auction correspondent Charles A. Riley II remarked, “After this marvelous staff show, never again will I blow by the desk attendants without wondering what they do in the studio on weekends.”
As these staff art shows continue to thrive in New York City, they not only highlight the hidden talents of museum employees but also foster a deeper appreciation for the creative community within the arts sector. By bringing together colleagues from various backgrounds, these events celebrate the shared passion for art that unites them all.
