ALexandra Garove ‘22
Art Education m.Ed, Towson University

Diane Kuthy
Assistant professor, art education, Towson University

Illuminated Histories, 2022
Collection of works on light table

Illuminated Histories is inspired by the rich history of the Peale family of artists, innovators, and naturalists, and their role in shaping early American museums. The Peales are not only central to the development of museology but were intimately connected to political figures and power structures prominent in the founding of the United States. Deeply inscribed in their work are myths of American cultural identity and the history of colonialism and racism that have relevance today. We hope to shine light on a small part of the multifaceted Peale history and engage viewers with questions about how aesthetic objects are perceived, collected, categorized, and displayed.

My (Diane) work focuses on illuminating several moments in the storied history of the Peale family and their innovations in museology.

The shadow boxes are inspired by my (Alex) research in the Peale Museum’s place in the broader context of natural history collections, the changing designs and purposes of natural history collections over time, and early taxidermy and preservation practices.

Artists' website