AAM’s Brooking Paper is an annual writing competition honoring innovative ways of thinking about the museum field, in any area of museum operations. This year's theme was Creativity in Museums. The first prize winner was published in the May/June 2007 Museum News, and the first-prize winner received $1,000 plus $500 toward travel expenses to the Annual Meeting in Chicago. Two honorable mentions were also awarded.
First Prize
Amy E. Herman, head of education, the Frick Collection, New York, for “The Art of Observation: How the Long Arm of the Law Is Reaching the Frick Collection”
Judges’ comments: “The use of art to improve observation skills among law enforcement professionals should challenge all of us to take a fresh look at how our collections can be used in new ways and to reach new audiences.”
Honorable Mentions
Jessica Bicknell, exhibit developer, and Sonal Bhatt, assistant director of interpretive programs, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx Zoo, New York, for “The Eco-Restroom: Inspiring Visitors to Think When They Flush”
Judges’ comments: “This composting restroom accompanied by an exhibit is a wonderful example of how museums can combine mission, environmental stewardship, education and customer service.”
David M. Tanner, associate director for administration, Indiana University Art Museum, Bloomington, for “Innovation and Teamwork: A Modest Ticketing Project Yields Accurate Attendance Figures”
Judges’ comments: “Masters the tedious but critical task of assessing attendance with an interactive visitor ticket that engages gallery security officers, volunteer greeters and visitors and assists in wayfinding and museum orientation.”
Funding was provided through the generosity of Dolores Brooking, retired professor of arts administration at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and former director of education, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas.
Our judges were Ann A. Fortescue, director of education & visitor services, Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center, Pittsburgh; Dan Freas, museum experience director, Conner Prairie, Fishers, Ind.; and Leah Arroyo, senior editor, Museum News.
