Building on Brilliance: TMA's Story

In this season’s finale of Building on Brilliance: TMA's Story, Diane Wright, Senior Curator of Glass and Contemporary Craft at the Toledo Museum of Art, discusses the reinstallation of the museum's internationally recognized glass galleries and the stories they will tell when they reopen.

Listeners will hear about Toledo's unique role in the history of glass, the challenges and opportunities of reimagining a beloved collection, the objects most likely to stop visitors in their tracks, and the enduring vision of Edward Drummond Libbey and Florence Scott Libbey, whose belief that art should belong to everyone continues to shape the Toledo Museum of Art more than 125 years after its founding.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Schindler, Curator of European Art at the Toledo Museum of Art, discusses the reinstallation of one of the museum's European Art and Decorative Arts galleries. Listeners will hear about the challenges and opportunities of reimagining a beloved collection, the objects most likely to stop visitors in their tracks, and the questions he hopes audiences carry with them long after leaving the galleries.

In this episode, you will hear an interview with Dr. Erin Corrales Diaz, Curator of American Art at TMA, as she explores the reinstallation of a gallery she selected to spotlight. Featuring 18th and 19th century transatlantic art, the gallery invites visitors to see familiar works in a new light. Erin offers a behind the scenes look at the process and shares her excitement about bringing this reinstallation to life.

This episode explores the critical role of stewardship with two museum professionals whose work is essential to safeguarding the Toledo Museum of Art's collection. First, the host speaks with Tom Huth, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, about the environmental systems, operational planning, and risk management strategies that help protect irreplaceable works of art every day. Later, Vanessa Applebaum joins the conversation to discuss conservation, preventive care, and the extensive preparation required before artworks can safely return to view. 

What does it take to bring an entire historic room back to life?

In this episode Dr. Jennifer McCary interviews Vanessa Applebaum, Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA), and Eric Schlomann, Senior Project Manager at EverGreene Architectural Arts, to explore the extraordinary work behind the reinstallation of the Château de Chenailles period room at TMA.

Together, they discuss the milestones that have shaped the project, the interdisciplinary teamwork required to make it possible, and the delicate balance between historical authenticity and modern museum practice.

In this special episode, go inside a live conversation recorded during a Toledo Museum of Art donor brunch, featuring Director and CEO, Dr. Adam Levine, Deputy Director Andrea Gardner, and architect Michael Maltzan. Together, they share insights into the vision behind the reinstallation and what visitors can expect in the years ahead. Paired with a conversation with the Museum’s Chief Development Officer, Emily Croak, this episode also explores the vital role of philanthropy in bringing that vision to life.

In part two of this conversation, the host continues her discussion with Dr. Anna Marley, Director of Curatorial Affairs, about the reinstallation of the Great Gallery. This episode goes deeper into the curatorial process and offers a closer look at the ideas guiding one of TMA’s most iconic spaces into the future.

In this episode, hear from the Manager of Library & Archive Services and Archivist, Julie McMaster, and Director of Curatorial Affairs, Dr. Anna Marley, about the history of one of the Museum’s most iconic spaces and what visitors can expect in its reinstallation. From the evolution of the collection to new ways of presenting it, this conversation offers a deeper understanding of how the Great Gallery continues to take shape.

Go behind the scenes of the reinstallation to see how vision becomes reality. In this episode, you’ll hear from Jason Mason of Program Solutions Group, LLC, and Tom Huth, Director of Facilities at TMA, as they discuss the complexity of bringing new gallery spaces to life. They cover everything from translating architectural plans into buildable designs to managing timelines, challenges, and collaboration. It’s a look at the work visitors don’t always see but experience every time they walk through the Museum.

This episode explores how interpretation shapes the way visitors experience art at the Toledo Museum of Art. Host Jennifer McCary talks with Paula Reich, Manager of Gallery Interpretation, about the strategy behind labels, storytelling, and creating meaningful connections with the collection. This episode also features insights from the Museum’s Docent President and Board member, Dr. Michael Coomes, who shares how thoughtful guidance can turn viewing art into a deeper understanding and personal connection.