The Art of Work at National Museum of African Art

Katie Patschke, a rising senior at Susquehanna University is participating in a curatorial internship at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art (NMAfA). Under the guidance of her advisor, Christine Kreamer, Deputy Director and Chief Curator at NMAfA, Patschke’s research is on “Creativity of Work.” For the project she is examining African occupations dedicated to the creation of art. In addtion, Patschke is looking at the various ways these objects play a significant role in the given culture. Eventually, Patschke’s research will be used for an exhibit, a film, and/or a book.

Patschke is currently constructing a list of objects and artifacts reflecting the concept of work to be displayed in the exhibit. She and her advisor also have plans to access NMAfA’s storage to find images, sculptures, and other pieces of art that will tell the story of work and how it contributes to people’s everyday lives in Africa.