NYC Museums Showcase Employee Artistry in Annual Staff Exhibitions

Across New York City, museums and galleries are not only home to world-renowned artworks but also to hidden artistic talents among their staff. Many institutions are hosting staff art shows, providing employees with a platform to showcase their creativity, often overshadowed by the more visible contributions of faculty and alumni. The inaugural staff art show at the Parsons School of Design, titled “Making Time,” runs from October 16 to November 9, 2023, at the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center.

Eleanor Lovinsky, an artist and staff member at the Whitney Museum of Art, has participated in the museum’s staff shows for the past two years. She emphasizes the significance of these exhibitions, stating, “It makes you realize that people who work at museums, even if they’re facility staff or they’re not doing anything with art, a lot of them are artists themselves.” Lovinsky has showcased sculptural pieces that incorporate unconventional materials, such as slides from abandoned buildings and recycled birdcages. She plans to contribute to the upcoming staff show at the Whitney, scheduled for October 9 to November 9, 2025.

The Whitney’s staff exhibition is expected to feature over 80 artists, according to curatorial assistants Antonia Pocock and Anna Fong. Submissions can include various forms of art, from sculptures and paintings to performances, reflecting a diverse array of mediums. Lovinsky notes that these shows motivate her to create, as they validate the artistic contributions of all staff members.

Midrene Lamy, the Whitney’s associate manager of community programs and partnerships, has shown her charcoal drawings in three staff art shows. She appreciates the sense of equality fostered by these exhibitions, as all participants are recognized solely as artists. “It’s so nice to be able to be amongst my peers and be reminded that in the end, we’re all just artists,” Lamy remarked.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is renowned for its staff shows, which have been held since 1935. The next exhibition is set for 2026. Daniel Kershaw, the Met’s exhibition design manager, highlighted the impressive range of works produced by staff members, noting that the last show included creations from nearly 700 employees. The event showcased an array of artistic expressions, including installations and video media, and was only the second staff exhibition open to the public.

Other institutions have also embraced this tradition. The School of Visual Arts concluded its 13th annual All-Staff Art Show in June, featuring works that ranged from photographs of iconic New York sights to innovative multimedia compositions. Similarly, the New York Academy of Art hosted its annual staff exhibition from May 30 to July 27 this year, showcasing pieces by various staff members, including oil paintings and charcoal drawings.

In August, Pace Gallery wrapped up a staff exhibition titled “In No Particular Order,” which included over 50 artworks across multiple mediums. Exhibitions like these not only highlight the creative talents of staff but also foster a sense of community within the institutions.

The Brooklyn Museum and Queens’ Noguchi Museum have also hosted staff shows recently, alongside art storage company Uovo and Marianne Boesky Gallery. Many of these exhibitions occur during the summer months, providing a unique opportunity for staff to share their artistic endeavors with the public.

At Christie’s, the longstanding tradition of staff shows dates back to 1984. Business manager Maya Manaktala explained that these exhibitions treat staff artists’ sales with the same respect as established artists, showcasing their works in spaces previously occupied by famous artworks. This year’s staff art pieces ranged in price from $100 to $4,000, making them accessible while still maintaining artistic value.

These staff art shows serve as a reminder that creativity exists in every corner of the art world, often waiting to be discovered. As Lovinsky aptly put it, “After this marvelous staff show, never again will I blow by the desk attendants without wondering what they do in the studio on weekends.”