Imagine one of our botanist friends from the neighboring Botanical Research Institute of Texas, investigating and responding to Severin Roesen’s Still Life of Flowers and Fruit with a River Landscape in the Distance. What might an avid sailor who frequents local Eagle Mountain Lake have to say about Thunder Storm on Narragansett Bay? The Carter is tapping our community for a new interpretive initiative called Community Quotes. These labels, written by community members, will be peppered throughout our galleries.

The goal of this initiative is twofold. First, we want to engage our community and invite them to join us in making meaningful connections to works of art. We are excited about presenting these fresh and diverse perspectives in the galleries. Art should prompt dialog, and asking our community what they think about what is on our walls and pedestals seems like a good way to start chatting. Looking at an artwork through someone else’s eyes might spark new ideas, build upon existing ideas, or bring up questions, or even emotions.

Second, we want our visitors to know that you don’t need to be an art museum professional or have an art background to interpret a work of art or derive meaning from it. Whatever your background, profession, or interests, your response to an artwork is valid. Your insight into a work of art may even help someone else make an interesting connection.