By Dr. Sydney K. Varajon
What exactly goes into planning an exhibit?
A lot! From archival research and oral history interviews to object selection and exhibit layout, exhibit planning demands that we imagine the “big picture” story while simultaneously attending to details like color palettes and display measurements.
Part of what’s unique and exciting about this exhibit is that it brings together archival research and oral history interviews, featuring contributions from many of you! Beginning with our first round of oral history interviews in summer 2016, our collection of interviews has now grown to over 80!
What does that mean for the exhibit itself? It’s been fun to revisit interviews from several years ago, transcribe them, and select quotes that help illustrate the larger story. Whether about shape-note singings, road warrior tales, or anecdotes about carrying Billy Vaughn’s groceries, we’ve heard stories about all sorts of musical experiences! While there’s not space to include all these interviews in the exhibit in detail, each one has contributed valuable information that has shaped the backbone of the narrative. Rooted in community memory, the exhibit will feature a web of stories and experiences that depict our region’s musical legacy as history and lineage but also as living tradition.
How do you select objects?
Objects are central to any exhibit, as they engage visitors and help tell the story visually and materially. Sonic Landscape will include artifacts from the Kentucky Museum’s collection, from WKU Special Collections Library, and from individuals like you! We’ve sifted through hundreds of artifacts, but with limits on physical space, we have to make decisions about which objects will best fit (literally and figuratively!). While some of the artifacts we’re including are handmade and others are mass-produced—from instruments and demo tapes to bar stools and stage costumes— each object connects in a meaningful way to regional traditions and social relationships.
Beyond an array of physical artifacts, our exhibit will also include many photographs and posters, as well as sound clips of performances and oral history interviews. Using a combination of audio, images, and physical objects, we hope to illustrate how individual memories and stories connect to our larger regional history. We’re creating an immersive environment with interactive displays that will allow visitors to explore genres, instruments, and influential artists in depth.
Here’s a “before” photo of the future exhibit space. Can you envision it yet?
So, how does it all fit together?
In addition to working on the script and artifact selection, our team has been hard at work conceptualizing the physical layout. By sketching out floor plans and outlining new walls to be constructed, we’re transforming the exhibit space and envisioning how it will all come together in the final product (the “sonic landscape”). The idea of “landscape” permeates the exhibit design, though more literally in some design elements than others—from the entryway that will incorporate an abstracted hillside to our color palette inspired by iconic places and objects (keep an eye out for Jerusalem Ridge green and “drumhead” red inspired by certain sons of Metcalfe County). As we go, we continue to rearrange and align ideas, artifacts, and design features to best illustrate and honor the experiences and voices of those who have shared their stories with us.
We appreciate your continued enthusiasm and support as we work to bring to life a museum experience that honors the artists, traditions, and stories that have shaped our region’s musical identity. Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks along the way.
Thanks for joining us on the journey!
Sketch of entryway into the exhibit. Imagine you’ve cracked open the landscape and it’s filled with…music!