Mr. Wilson’s Cabinet of Wonder
by Lawrence Weschler

Have you ever been fascinated by Wunderkammer, the ancestor of the modern day museum? This Pulitzer Prize-winning book recounts the remarkable history of their development, from the 16th century to today’s current museums. But the most intriguing thing about this book is the introduction to and investigation of David Wilson, the proprietor of The Museum of Jurassic Technology (MJT).

The enigmatic Mr. Wilson seems to be, at first, a shadow in his own storefront, disappearing and suddenly reappearing somewhere else. When Weschler discovers the storefront by accident, Wilson gives rather vague, cryptic answers to the author’s questions about what the MJT really is. Wilson is playful and very knowledgeable, which draws the reader in and introduces us to some unusual exhibits. The question is...are they real?

The true pleasure of this book is that you can’t tell which parts are true and which are invented. One thing that is surely true...this book is a delightful and fascinating journey from beginning to end.

Give Mr. Wilson’s Cabinet of Wonder a read and decide for yourself.

Ignite the Power of Art

What makes for an enriching museum visit?

In Ignite the Power of Art, the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) undertook a groundbreaking seven-year research initiative to answer this question by examining how people connect with art and what museums can do to create engaging experiences for diverse audiences. The book describes how this research has been used to build attendance, enhance exhibits, and develop new programs such as the Center for Creative Connections, the online Arts Network, and the Late Nights event series, all at the DMA. This research, which goes far beyond traditional demographic data and analyses, has transformed the DMA, unleashing a profound change in institutional thinking and paving the way for sustained innovation.

Give this book a read and see if it can spark some new thinking for your organization’s outreach. Also feel free to share your thoughts on this book by commenting to this blog or chatting with us over e-mail, Twitter or Facebook.

Between the Folds:
The Science of Art, The Art of Science

Okay...we realize this is not a book recommendation, but it is a must-see film inspired by this month’s Creative Day at the Fuller Craft Museum.

Between the Folds filmmaker Vanessa Gould takes you on a provocative odyssey into the mesmerizing world of modern origami, where artists and scientists use the ancient art form to craft works of delicate beauty and to model cutting-edge mathematical theories. Pushing the envelope of origami to include caricatured portraits and elaborate abstract designs, these experts examine how paper folding can reveal the profound connection between art, science and philosophy.

So sit back and relax with a bowl of popcorn and lose yourself in this amazing film. Also feel free to share your thoughts of this film by commenting to this blog or chatting with us over e-mail, Twitter or Facebook.

Candy Freak: One Sweet Read!

Since February is the month us chocolate freaks LOVE and live for, we thought we’d unwrap this “sweet” read from our studio bookshelf. Get a chocolate high and lots of laughs from Candyfreak: A Journey Through the Chocolate Underbelly of America by Steve Almond. Yes, that’s his real name!

“Part candy porn, part candy polemic, part social history, part confession, Candyfreak explores the role candy plays in our lives as both source of pleasure and escape from pain. By turns ecstatic, comic, and bittersweet, Candyfreak is the story of how Steve Almond grew up on candy—and how, for better and worse, candy has grown up, too.”

Give it a read! Also feel free to share your thoughts and reviews of this book by commenting to this blog or chatting with us over e-mail, Twitter or Facebook.