Kaylee Spencer, who commenced her journey at Florida State University in August 2024, has assumed her new position as the chief of the university’s Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA).
MoFA, the largest educational art museum in the Big Bend, holds accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. The facility boasts 9,000 square feet of display area and a permanent collection exceeding 7,000 pieces.
Spencer brings a robust background in art history, encompassing both scholarly pursuits and community involvement. She has dedicated 20 years to teaching at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where she held significant leadership positions such as assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and chair of the Art Department, managing the university’s art gallery.
This spring, Spencer is collaborating with Michael Carrasco, associate dean of research for the College of Fine Arts and associate professor of art history, to curate “Conversaciones: Latin American Indigenous Art.” The exhibit will take place from April 3 to December 5.
“I am thrilled about my inaugural exhibition,” Spencer stated. “This show positions examples of ancient Andean art alongside creations by contemporary artists from various regions of South and Central America. Partnering with the FSU Native American and Indigenous Studies Center, the goal is to underscore the rich artistic legacies of Indigenous cultures.”
The showcase will display an array of artworks, including ancient Moche and Nasca ceramic artifacts, along with recent contemporary acquisitions by Ana De Orbegoso and Nadín Ospina. Furthermore, it will feature rarely displayed pieces from FSU’s collections of Maya textiles and ancient Andean ceramics, metalwork, and other artifacts, emphasizing continuity and evolution. By exhibiting these works, the event aims to cultivate a deeper comprehension and appreciation of the cultural legacy of Latin American Indigenous art and its ongoing significance in modern artistic practices.
What inspired your move to Florida State University?
I am educated in art history, holding a doctorate in the discipline. My experience teaching in a studio art department has fostered a collaborative and engagement-driven methodology to art history. This setting has shaped a distinctive style of teaching art history, concentrating on how this field can adapt to bolster the careers of budding studio artists.
Moreover, I occupied several administrative roles at UWRF that granted me essential insights into university functions and community involvement. I also acted as a Chancellor’s administrative fellow, delving into fundraising initiatives for a science and technology building, which required collaboration with leaders across campus, and in local government, businesses, and the community.
One of my recent endeavors involves collaboration with a Los Angeles-based development firm to design a museum centered on Latin American art. This institution aims to explore how education and investigation of the rich cultural and artistic heritages of Southern California’s diverse populations can guide and inspire future generations. These experiences have furnished me with a comprehensive understanding of both academic and administrative facets of university functions, ultimately guiding me to my current role at Florida State University.
What are your areas of research and concentration as an art historian and curator?
My research is primarily dedicated to the ancient art of the Americas, with a special emphasis on Mesoamerica, which comprises regions like Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. I am particularly focused on ancient Maya artistry. This field is often a novel area for many students, and I find great satisfaction in introducing them to these intricate and visually captivating artistic traditions that frequently challenge their previous notions of iconography, space, and meaning. My teaching strategy emphasizes careful observation and comprehension of broader contexts, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with archaeologists, anthropologists, epigraphers, and museum practitioners. In my research, I am intrigued by how architecture, public sculptures, and portable art objects craft environments that promote specific ways of seeing and interacting. I contemplate how these elements of site planning and object creation correspond to collective memory and shared ideologies. Additionally, I am fascinated by how these artistic legacies are preserved and transformed through the ages and how they continue to impact contemporary art practices in the area.
How do you intend to promote collaboration across various departments at FSU in your role at MoFA?
Encouraging collaboration across multiple departments at FSU is a fundamental priority for me. I plan to connect with diverse academic and cultural departments to develop interdisciplinary exhibitions and programs that reflect the knowledge and interests within our university. By bridging different disciplines and viewpoints, we can enrich the educational mission of the museum and cultivate a more dynamic and inclusive community.
I am enthusiastic about the chance to collaborate with different departments at FSU and engage with the community. My objective is to nurture a cooperative atmosphere that intertwines various disciplines and perspectives, enhancing the educational mission of the museum. I also look forward to undertaking curricular engagement and community outreach initiatives to amplify the museum’s influence on both students and the wider community.
What is something intriguing you have observed since your arrival on campus?
The first observation I made was the vibrant enthusiasm among the faculty, staff, and students at the FSU campus, which is truly contagious. There exists a tangible excitement and passion for learning and community engagement that saturates the atmosphere, fostered by a commitment to creativity and collaboration. Whether through academic endeavors, extracurricular activities, or social functions, individuals at FSU are perpetually eager to engage and maximize their university experience. This energetic environment not only promotes a strong sense of community but also motivates everyone to pursue excellence and innovation within their fields.
The second revelation that surprised me was the remarkable strength of FSU’s art collections. I was aware that MoFA housed an excellent array of artworks prior to my application, but I was pleasantly astonished to discover extraordinary textiles, ceramics, and contemporary paintings spread across numerous departments and colleges within the university. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to narrate the story of FSU’s exceptional fine art collections.
What guidance would you offer to students and young professionals seeking a career in art history and museum curation?
Be present, allow your curiosity to flourish, and don’t hesitate to seek involvement. Some of the most profound and career-defining moments in my life initiated simply because I inquired if I could participate in something. Taking initiative can lead to significant opportunities — you never know where a single “yes” might take you.
The post Five questions with Kaylee Spencer: Exploring Latin American Indigenous art at MoFA appeared first on Florida State University News.