Trailblazers Installation with an Exhibition Intern
Go behind-the-scenes in our current exhibition Trailblazers: The Creative Story behind Mountain Biking in Santa Cruz with exhibitions intern, Jordyn Cane.
“Hello! My name is Jordyn. I am a third-year History of Art and Visual Culture major at UC Santa Cruz.”
Jordyn Cane, Exhibitions Intern
This is my first season with the MAH and the first exhibition I have ever been apart of...
We began the new year by installing the exhibition Trailblazers, which is dedicated to the history and creative development of mountain biking in Santa Cruz County. It has over 20 bikes on display, all on loan from some of the biggest companies and collectors in the world. It has such an array of mountain bikes from old school to present day. I loved learning about the deep roots of this sport, from all our passionate collaborators and artists.
Throughout my experience alongside the Exhibitions Team, I have learned how to carefully handle artworks as we are de-installing, aka taking apart an exhibit, as well as the handy-work that is required in order to install new pieces and compose elements that stage exhibits. Every artifact, artwork, or object on loan is so important and the MAH cares for every piece with such intentionality and care. Now I can't walk into other exhibitions without noticing every tiny thing in there that will later need to be boxed or wrapped up once the exhibition closes.
Before my internship, I had VERY little experience with tools and crafts, but every day at the MAH I am assigned tasks that require me to try something new! I even learned how to use a drill and power saw for this exhibition. Together we sanded, painted, cut, glued, and mounted every display and label inside the gallery. My favorite project was prototyping and putting together the display stands that were made from hand-cut wood pieces and tree branches. Make sure to check them out on your next visit! It was a really fun project.
Being a part of the Exhibitions Team at the MAH has been a fun and educational learning experience, which I hope to put toward a desired career in museum-work. I can’t wait to get started on our next exhibition, Beyond the World’s End, which will open on March First Friday.
