Better Half, Better Twelfth: Women Artists in the Collection. Sheldon Museum of Art, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, April 2–July 15, 2010.

This exhibition showcased American women artists from the Sheldon Museum of Art’s permanent collection. The term “better half” alludes to the idiomatic reference to a romantic partner while “better twelfth” denoted the approximate ratio of female to male artists in the Sheldon’s collection. The intent of the exhibition was to more fully acquaint visitors with the work of women artists, explore the historical exclusion of women artists from the art world, and identify gaps within the museum’s collection. A mission to acquire more works by women artists coincided with Better Half, Better Twelfth.

As curatorial assistant, I conducted foundational research for the exhibition, which informed its thematic organization and interpretive content. I further aided in the development and implementation of its marketing and programming strategies, served as contact person for all loans displayed in the exhibition, and assisted in the acquisition of works by artist Judy Pfaff.

Please find the gallery guide for Better Half, Better Twelfth below.