| photography by Alex Lepe |
Artisan handcrafted jewelry. Check. Fun and funky toys from around the world. Check. Unique home décor items sure to be a conversation starter at your next party. Fine quality garments with unexpected design details. Literature to inspire a promising artist or budding comedian. Check. Check. Check. Each object in the menagerie of items, ranging from 25 cents to $1,200, at The Shop at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth are carefully curated to complement and enhance each guest's visit to the world-class museum it is housed within.
The sitting cat sponge by Marna sits on the edge of your sink or tub, $6.95
Lorri Wright, regional manager and buyer for the Modern, has made her career on finding rare and fantastic gifts. With her 22 years of experience and an educational background as a graphic designer, Lorri brings a unique element to the world of merchandise buying as she approaches each purchase with an artist's eye. "I try to extend the visitor experience. So, what they see in the galleries is the starting point. And I kind of get impressions of what an artist's aesthetic is, and from that it can lead all kinds of directions," states Wright on her buying methodology.
Blanket poncho by Shiraleah; Acrylic Allover pattern, fringe trim, $29
The interesting and daunting task of curating a complementary store collection to that of the museum is months in the making. Lorri often begins her research through work from the artist, including interviews and images. For the Modern's upcoming Frank Stella collection, opening April 17, her search began last fall with the imagery of Stella's work as she looked for items that "reinforce how the artist uses lines and shapes which intersect and create new visual experiences." This inspiration led her to add specialty items including a fashion-forward, chevron-patterned cork minaudiere and a Blanket poncho by Shiraleah to the special collection. These among a number of other items are available now through September.
Shiraleah cork minaudiere with interior pockets, gold tone clasp and chain strap, $24
In addition to selections inspired by featured exhibitions, the store is filled year round with items that evoke guests" imagination while they are inspired and challenged by modern art. "I think that visiting a contemporary arts museum, people are often surprised by what is on view here. Contemporary art can be very surprising. It's often not things that people normally consider art. And so, I guess I'm playing off of that. Plus, I too love to be delighted. So when I see people in the store, having fun and smiling and wanting to show things to people that they are with, it makes me really happy."
Fun with Kirk and Spock by Robb Pearlman, Cider Mill Press, $14.95
From one visit to the next, museum patrons can expect to find something new and unusual as Lorri is constantly adding items to the store's collection. She visits "New York Now," a major international gift show, twice a year to select many of the unusual gift objects. In addition, Lorri scours the Internet and works with artists on Etsy to source the jewelry and fashion elements offered in the shop.
"Unstable" bowl by Antonino Sciortino for Serax, Black iron bowl, $110
Ultimately, when thinking about her selections for the store and the kind of items people can expect to see, Lorri says, "I'm not just looking for something cool; I'm looking for something that people will own." For her, it is about finding that special item that will live with a person every day, reminding him or her of his or her experience at the Modern, however challenging, thought-provoking, or fun it might have been.
For more information about the shop at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, visit www.themodern.org.