Employees at New York City’s renowned museums and galleries are stepping into the spotlight through a series of staff art shows. These exhibitions highlight the creative talents of individuals who often work behind the scenes, allowing their artistic expressions to be appreciated alongside world-famous artworks.
This October, the Parsons School of Design will host its inaugural staff art show titled “Making Time,” which runs from October 16 to November 9 at the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center. According to the announcement, the show aims to provide validation for employees whose art “can often feel more hidden than that of faculty, students, and even alumni.”
Eleanor Lovinsky, an artist and participant in the Whitney Museum of Art staff show for two consecutive years, expressed the significance of these exhibitions. “It makes you realize that people who work at museums, even if they’re facility staff or not directly involved with art, are often artists themselves,” she noted. Her sculptural pieces, which have included unconventional materials like slides from abandoned buildings, are a testament to the diverse creativity found within these institutions.
Looking ahead, the Whitney’s staff show will take place from October 9 to November 9 at Westbeth Gallery on 55 Bethune St. More than 80 staff artists are expected to submit various forms of art, including sculptures, drawings, and even performances. Curatorial assistants Antonia Pocock and Anna Fong, who are organizing the show, indicated that the diversity of submitted works reflects the rich artistic talent among museum employees.
Midrene Lamy, the Whitney’s associate manager of community programs and partnerships, has participated in three staff art shows. She shared that these events provide motivation and a deadline for her art-making. Lamy appreciates the sense of equality these exhibitions foster, as she sees her colleagues’ work displayed alongside her own. “It’s so nice to be able to be amongst my peers and be reminded that in the end, we’re all just artists,” she said.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is particularly notable for its long-standing tradition of staff exhibitions, which began in 1935. The next show is scheduled for 2026, and Daniel Kershaw, the Met’s exhibition design manager, described the preparation as “an exhausting but thrilling adventure.” The last exhibition in 2024 featured nearly 700 employees, showcasing a wide range of art, from an altar installation to a tribute to William the Hippo, the Met’s unofficial mascot.
In June, the School of Visual Arts concluded its 13th annual All-Staff Art Show, which highlighted various media created by administrative staff. The New York Academy of Art also hosted its annual staff exhibition for almost two months this year, featuring works from vice presidents and registrars alike.
Pace Gallery recently continued its nearly quarter-century tradition of staff exhibitions with “In No Particular Order,” showcasing over 50 works, including glass art and multimedia pieces. Other venues, such as the Brooklyn Museum, the Noguchi Museum in Queens, and various schools, have also engaged in showcasing staff art, especially during the summer months.
Christie’s, renowned for its auctions, has hosted staff shows since 1984, treating artists’ sales with the same respect as those of established figures. This year’s show featured works priced between $100 and $4,000, a stark contrast to the upcoming South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art auction, with estimates ranging from $40,000 to $3 million. Veteran auction correspondent Charles A. Riley II emphasized the significance of these staff shows, stating, “After this marvelous staff show, never again will I blow by the desk attendants without wondering what they do in the studio on weekends.”
Through these exhibitions, New York’s cultural institutions not only celebrate the artistic talents of their staff but also create a sense of community and recognition among employees. The blending of professional roles and artistic ambitions reinforces the idea that creativity thrives in all facets of the art world.
