"Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection" opens in the Governor’s Gallery

Visitors are invited to experience the Museum of International Folk Art collection through a uniquely personal lens with Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection, currently on view in the Governor’s Gallery at the New Mexico State Capitol through April 25, 2025. This exhibition highlights the hidden treasures and personal favorites of MOIFA staff, selected from the museum’s vast permanent collection.

 The Governor’s Gallery was established by Clara Apodaca, the First Lady of New Mexico from 1975-1978, as an outreach facility of the New Mexico Museum of Art. It is located on the fourth floor of the New Mexico state capitol. The Gallery presents several exhibitions a year representing the art and culture of New Mexico.

 “Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection is an exhibition formulated with the intention of inclusivity and togetherness among the people who care for the museum every day,” said Rachel Cover, curator of the exhibition. “Staff members explored the collection storage areas, selected two pieces that spoke to them, and provided statements explaining their choices. The result is a celebration of the diversity and creativity within our team and the MOIFA collection.”

 The diversity of objects in Staff Picks represents a spectrum of aesthetic preferences and personal interests and highlights the museum’s vast collection. This exhibition celebrates the rich tapestry of artistic expression that resonates with the museum staff. For some staff, this was their first opportunity to delve into the museum’s collection and select pieces that resonated personally, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the institution’s hidden treasures.

 "This exhibition is a testament to the vibrant creativity within our walls and the profound connections our team has with the collection," said Charlie Lockwood, MOIFA Executive Director. "Through this collaboration, we aim to share the passion of our staff with the public, revealing the folk art and stories that inspire us daily."

 Visitors will encounter a dynamic mix of mediums, styles, regions, and eras, reflecting the eclectic interests of the MOIFA staff. The exhibition fosters dialogue and connection, encouraging patrons to explore the stories behind each selection and engage with art in new and meaningful ways

 About the Museum of International Folk Art    

The Museum of International Folk Art is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. MOIFA’s mission is to shape a humane world by connecting people through creative expression and artistic tradition.  Since its founding in 1953, the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe has amassed the largest collection of international folk art globally, more than 163,000 objects representing artists and communities from 100+ countries. The museum aims to connect people through artistic traditions, providing extensive resources for research on folk art histories, techniques and artists.  Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the International Folk Art Foundation and Museum of New Mexico Foundation.