Artistic expression finds a unique platform in New York City as numerous museums and galleries host staff art shows, allowing employees to showcase their creative talents. These exhibitions, which feature works by staff members who often have artistic backgrounds, aim to highlight the diverse range of skills and perspectives that contribute to the cultural fabric of these institutions.
The inaugural staff art show at the Parsons School of Design, titled “Making Time,” is currently open from October 16 to November 9, 2023, at the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center. This initiative emphasizes the importance of recognizing the artistic contributions of non-faculty staff, whose work often remains obscured compared to that of students and alumni.
Eleanor Lovinsky, who has participated in the Whitney Museum of Art staff show for two consecutive years, expressed the significance of these exhibitions. Lovinsky, known for her innovative sculptures utilizing unconventional materials, stated, “It makes you realize that people who work at museums, even if they’re facility staff or they’re not doing anything with art, a lot of them are artists themselves.” Her past works included a mobile made from slides found in abandoned buildings and a repurposed birdcage adorned with eggshells.
The Whitney’s upcoming staff show is scheduled for October 9 to November 9, 2025, at Westbeth Gallery. According to curatorial assistants Antonia Pocock and Anna Fong, over 80 staff artists are expected to participate, submitting various forms of art, including sculptures, paintings, and performance pieces. Lovinsky noted that these shows provide both motivation and a sense of validation for participating artists, reinforcing the notion that many employees are artists in their own right.
Midrene Lamy, the Whitney’s associate manager of community programs and partnerships, has also showcased her charcoal drawings at past staff exhibitions. She appreciates the equality fostered by these shows, stating, “It’s so nice to be able to be amongst my peers and be reminded that in the end, we’re all just artists.” Reflecting on her earlier experiences at the Brooklyn Museum, Lamy emphasized the importance of the inclusive atmosphere these exhibitions create, where titles and roles fade in importance.
Among the city’s most notable staff art shows is that of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which has been running since 1935. This biannual exhibition allows staff members to display their artistic endeavors, with the next show set for 2026. Daniel Kershaw, the Met’s exhibition design manager, described the installation process as “an exhausting but thrilling adventure,” highlighting the remarkable range of nationalities, cultures, and artistic mediums represented by nearly 700 employees in the last show. The 2024 exhibition showcased works that included an altar installation and an homage to the Met’s unofficial mascot, William the Hippo.
In addition to the Whitney and the Met, other institutions have embraced this trend. The School of Visual Arts recently concluded its 13th annual All-Staff Art Show, which featured a variety of works, from zines to multimedia pieces. The New York Academy of Art hosted a staff exhibition that ran from May 30 to July 27, 2023, showcasing pieces by administrative staff, including charcoal and oil works.
Meanwhile, Pace Gallery continued its nearly 25-year tradition of staff exhibitions, with its latest show, “In No Particular Order,” closing on August 14, 2023. This exhibition featured over 50 works, including a flameworked borosilicate glass piece and various multimedia presentations.
Other venues, such as the Brooklyn Museum, Queens’ Noguchi Museum, and even the art storage company Uovo, have recently hosted their own staff shows, underscoring a broader movement among New York’s cultural institutions to celebrate and recognize the artistic talents of their employees.
Additionally, Christie’s held its staff art exhibition earlier this month, dating back to 1984. Maya Manaktala, the business manager, noted that the shows treat staff artists’ works on par with those of established artists, often displaying artwork in spaces previously occupied by renowned pieces, like those of Picasso. This year, staff art was offered at more accessible price points, with estimates ranging from $100 to $4,000, contrasting sharply with upcoming auction estimates for high-profile pieces that can reach into the millions.
These exhibitions not only highlight the creative side of museum and gallery staff but also serve as a reminder of the diverse talents that contribute to New York’s vibrant arts scene. As these institutions continue to foster artistic expression among their employees, they strengthen the connection between art and the individuals who work tirelessly to make it accessible to the public.