The Oglethorpe University Museum of Art (OUMA) has opened a new exhibition titled “Conversations with Collections,” curated by collections manager and registrar Courtney Christy. The show features over 30 works from the museum’s permanent collection, spanning various media, styles, and time periods, paired around shared themes to encourage visitor interaction. Activities include writing thoughts on blackboards, sketching in a mini-gallery alcove, and meditating in reflection spaces, with the goal of making the art experience a two-way dialogue.
This exhibition matters because it reimagines how a university museum engages its audience, transforming passive viewing into active participation. By aligning with Oglethorpe University’s Core academic program—which emphasizes critical thinking and productive conversation—the museum strengthens its role as an educational partner. The show also highlights the value of permanent collections when presented in innovative, participatory formats, potentially serving as a model for other institutions seeking to deepen visitor engagement.