Summary: One of the most important roles of an exhibition manager is research for the various shows. It requires lengthy research in order to create background information on the artists and pieces. One of my projects was to compile a timeline of the lives of the artists and important events that happened for the Pop Art show that will open next year. I pulled both the pertinent events from the artists' lives as well as included the dates that the art in the show was created. This information will be then used to create a visual timeline of the events during the Pop Art movement. This visual element will be projected on the wall to the entrance when the new building opens.

What have I learned as a result of this activity? I have learned the research process it takes to compile the information of the show.  It takes time and the patience to comb through different information databases and an ability to pull only relevant information. Because of my research, I also assisted in compiling the information that will be used to create artist biographies for the website.  

What are the implications for me? While there is no immediate fruit of my labor, I am very satisfied with what I have assembled. When the show opens, I will have assisted in a key component of the show.  One of the most important goals of a museum is to educate and encourage life long learning. The only way a museum can do that is if its staff is knowledgable on the subject matter.  This reiterated the importance of my pursuit of an Art History minor and strengthened my love of research.