Britta (left) supervises Mobile Hot Shop Crew, Becca and Elias

Q1: Tell us a little about your background (education, training, experience). What led you to this job?

BE: After receiving a commercial art degree, I worked as a production artist while also creating freelance work. Later, I completed my BA program in education and became a teacher of ancient history at the 6th-grade level. I left teaching to study abroad and pursue my master’s degree in museums and galleries at University of Southampton’s Winchester School of Art in England.

All of my experience in museums and galleries took place while living in England. Through the university, I had the opportunity to enroll in a work-study program where I was involved in updating an exhibit at an archaeology museum. I also worked at a gallery as a curatorial assistant and later enjoyed washing and labeling excavated items with the Oxford Archaeology team.

While searching for work, I began networking with individuals in the museum and gallery sector throughout the Tacoma/Seattle area. I had been in contact with Susan Warner and one day when I called she mentioned the Science of Art Coordinator position and asked me to send in my resume. The rest is history…

Q2: Tell us a little about your recent experiences with the Science of Art Program.

BE: My experiences with Science of Art vary…that is why I love it so much. I am learning more about art, science, and how kids think. I suppose what I love most about the program is that it incorporates so many elements into a two-hour visit. It makes me proud to be part of an organization that affords the community with exciting and innovative opportunities for life-long learning and appreciation of the arts.

Q3: What is in the works for upcoming Science of Art Sessions?

BE: Our upcoming Science of Art sessions include Art of Light, which is a repeat unit, as well as Glass in Everyday Life and Scientific Glassblowing, both of which are brand new units. It will be exciting to see how the new units take effect, and I would imagine that they will initiate a sense of freshness within the program as well.

Q4: What impression or experience do you hope students will take away from their Museum experience?

BE: I hope that students are inspired by their museum exprience. Inspiration is a catalyst for growth, creativity, change, and improvement. In addition, I would anticipate that many students acquire an appreciation, or perhaps admiration, for art and the artists as well as science and the scientists that they come into contact with at the Museum of Glass. The bottom line is that every student should identify the connection between art, science, and the world aroung them.

Q5: What are your goals for the Science of Art program?

BE: My goals as the Science of Art Coordinator include expanding the program to include more students and teachers, create more outreach kits, market the mobile hot shop, and update the website.