"Behind the Scenes at the Danforth: Two Perspectives on Experiencing Art"

Have you ever wondered how museums choose exhibitions? Why hang certain artworks next to each other? Does wall color matter? Have you ever looked at an artwork and thought—I wish I could do that? How do you start? Is art accessible, or intimidating? Jessica Roscio and Noelle Fournier will talk about the unique aspects of working in the visual arts as we go behind the scenes at the Danforth Art Museum and Art School at Framingham State University. The Danforth has been an integral part of the cultural landscape of Greater Boston since 1975, and has undergone radical changes in the past seven years. Noelle and Jessica will share some of that history and talk about what makes the Danforth such a vibrant and welcoming space for artists, students, and museum-loving audiences. The Danforth Art Museum is dedicated to American Art and showcasing the work of contemporary regional artists, with a permanent collection of almost 3,700 works, including the Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller collection. The Danforth Art School offers classes and workshops for all ages, at all levels, year-round, and offers learning opportunities specific to museum exhibitions. The Danforth has often been described as a “hidden gem”—join Jessica and Noelle in conversation to find out why!

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Jessica Roscio joined the Danforth Art Museum in 2011, was appointed Curator in 2015, and became the Director in 2020. She has overseen curatorial and administrative operations since the Museum became a part of Framingham State University. Prior to the Danforth, Roscio held positions at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C., and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She writes on both historical and contemporary photography and is a regular contributor to Aspect Initiative, an online gallery focusing on innovative photographic practices in New England. She has juried numerous exhibitions across media both regionally and nationally. Roscio has an MA in Art History from the University at Buffalo and a Ph.D. in American Studies, with a focus on the History of Photography, from Boston University.

Noelle Fournier received a B.A. in Fine Arts from St. Lawrence University and a M.Ed. from Lesley University. She is a lifelong artist, working in a variety of media and in scenic painting. Noelle began teaching at the Danforth in 2012 and also served on the faculty at the De Cordova Sculpture Park and Museum, the Fitchburg Art Museum, and the Umbrella Community Arts Center in Concord. She was selected as Artist-in-Residence for a yearlong study of sculpture, and has also designed and presented a series of professional development seminars on sculpture and art education. In 2014 Noelle became the Children’s Education Manager at the Danforth, and since 2016, she has served as Art School Director, overseeing the relocation of the school and the integration with Framingham State University.