Jaime Herrell Joins the Thoma Foundation Team
| March 1, 2023 |
Tell us a little about yourself. What did you do before joining the Thoma Foundation team?
Hi there! I’m Jaime Herrell. I’m originally from of southeastern Colorado, and currently find myself in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico. Before joining the Thoma Foundation team, I spent the last few years solo curating exhibitions at places that include the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) and the Balzer Contemporary Edge Gallery. The summer of 2022, I spent 8 weeks at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art as the first Institute of American Indian Arts Curatorial Intern, focused on contemporary Native and Indigenous curation. When I returned from Crystal Bridges, I was immediately hired by Chemehuevi artist/photographer Cara Romero as her Gallery Assistant. I am currently studying full time at the Institute of American Indian Arts pursuing Museum Studies.
Can you explain a little bit about the work you’ve been doing at TF?
To develop inclusive and pertinent programs, I’ve actively been fostering partnerships with nearby institutions, schools, and community members. I am in the early stages of designing programming that reflects upon our exhibitions that, in turn, continues the discourse and appreciation of our art and art spaces. Through panels, education, curation, tours, and events comes endless opportunities for community engagement that will additionally engage people and places far beyond the Land of Enchantment.
Do you have a favorite piece of artwork in the collection?
Today? “Women in the Anthropocene” by Diego Romero (Chochiti) … Diego Romero’s work draws from training with some of the greatest traditional pueblo clay workers, deep rooted Cochiti techniques, as well as a tedious attention to detail. His work is a merging of traditional Mimbres and Greek pottery, with the simultaneous influences of popular culture, comics, and the human experience—each piece created carrying an overflowing narrative. Forever fan.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Santa Fe (besides Art Vault)?
My favorite place to see art in Santa Fe varies! Seeking inspiration and the interesting is mood based, truly. The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Keep Contemporary, SITE, Santa Fe Art Auctions, or a random pop-up exhibition is what I frequent, lately.