Serendipity brought guest curator Robin Meador-Woodruff to the
Birmingham Museum of Art from the University of Michigan’s Kelsey
Museum of Archaeology, Ann Arbor, when her husband was recruited to
Birmingham as chair of UAB’s psychiatry department. Her background as
curator of photography and manager of the Kelsey’s archaeological
collections, including archives relating to Pompeii, was an ideal fit
for Pompeii.

“One of our goals is to produce an exhibition that is unique and
meaningful for southeastern audiences,” says Robin, who wants
visitors to feel a connection, not only through the recognizable
forms and functions of ancient objects, but also through the stories
of the victims, to whom we can relate on a very personal level.

“Although, historically, there has not been great emphasis on the art
of the Roman Empire in this region, there is a very strong
neoclassical influence, particularly with the architecture of the
South. Classical antiquity is actually present in our lives in many
other forms, such as the cameo pin worn by many women.”

Coming from a university setting, Robin says she’s learned to
appreciate the perspective of her new audiences, who often have very
different references. She’s focusing on how best to present material
so that it will be appreciated and resonate.

“There’s a very talented group of people at this Museum. It has been
a real eye-opener to work with an institution that has such broad-
reaching programming that touches so many different publics.”