SHOP FOR GOOD
By Joan Hornig | Photos by Jenna Bascom
I’m a bit embarrassed that as a jewelry designer and consumer, museum lover and “only in New York” obsessive, before last year I had never attended what arguably is the best annual pop-up sale in the city.
On April 3rd, I will be at the opening of the Museum of Arts and Design’s 17th Annual “LOOT: MAD about Jewelry” event. No doubt I will return throughout the week until it ends on April 8th. Truth be told, while I have always supported MAD, I didn’t understand what LOOT was all about and for too many years missed this great opportunity to shop at a curated jewelry museum show.
JEWELRY FOR ALL
When chosen by MAD as a 2016 honoree for my work in combining jewelry design with philanthropy, I quickly learned that LOOT isn’t about plundering or stealing (although the prices can be so good, it may feel that way). Rather, by invitation only, over 50 international jewelry designers come together in a curated mecca to celebrate and redefine jewelry for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. With the only permanent jewelry gallery devoted exclusively to showcasing modern and contemporary jewelry in the United States, MAD presents jewelry at the intersection of art, design, and fashion underscoring the importance of LOOT as an important exhibition as well as sale.
A floor of the museum is transformed into efficient rows of carefully packed cases filled with studio and art jewelry made from an array of both traditional and unconventional materials that challenge our definition of beauty and wearable art. Side-by-side with gold, silver, pearls, precious and semi-precious stone jewelry are pieces crafted from recycled plastic, broken plates and cups, parchment, cast apples, re-purposed skateboards and driftwood fashioned into modern, contemporary designs. The presence of designers standing behind their cases eager to discuss their work further energizes the show.
There is a near frenzy to see, shop and be first in line on day one of LOOT as jewelry aficionados position themselves to find a piece that perfectly speaks to their personal style. But even though it gets a little warm from the crowds, it’s worth it. LOOT provides visibility for emerging artists, often launching their commercial careers and is the recognized platform for showcasing the newest generation of jewelry designers. One piece is chosen each year to become part of MAD’s permanent collection through the LOOT Acquisition prize and all sales benefit the museum’s exhibition and educational programs.
UNIQUE SHOPPING
Some say “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.” As the challenges in maintaining non-profit institutions continue to accelerate, museums face constant struggles to meet their financial needs. Even with blockbuster and critically acclaimed shows, admission fees do not cover their costs. Museums rely on grants, generous patrons and donors, and support from creating traveling shows.
So, it is no surprise that museums no longer limit sales to exhibition catalogs, books, posters, and postcards. Comprising an industry worth about a billion dollars, retail establishments in museums represent a significant and growing segment of the retail and gift shop sector. Increasingly museum stores have become “concept” shopping destinations both in their brick and mortar locations and on-line. No longer afterthoughts, they have become integral in keeping these institutions financially healthy. To maintain their tax benefits from retail income, museum gift shops must stay true to each museum’s mission and exhibitions by offering items which reinforce and supplement their educational objectives. No wonder there is more and more collaboration between curators and the store buyers and operators.
LOOT represents a perfect example of how when things get tough we can shop for a cause and continue to enjoy the benefits. I suspect that LOOT’s hybrid shopping/exhibition format is one other museums will appropriate. While it takes a year of intensive curation, the accrued benefits go well beyond the income raised. The LOOT sale has a “pull” effect, bringing a new and larger national and international audience into the museum. Moreover, there is an enthusiastic spillover into shopping in the beautiful MAD design store in the museum’s lobby where all purchases also support the museum.
I am devoted to attending and shopping in museums. I find museum stores to have unique, well-priced merchandise with the added benefit of discounts for members. And, I have another confession to make about how I have used these stores “strategically.” When our kids were young, I’d promise shopping in them as a reward for behaving in the exhibitions that led us to them. Weak parenting? Perhaps. Effective? Absolutely!
Regardless of where located in the museum, entering a museum store is free. Just ask the front desk for a pass. Nothing precludes you from introducing your children to museums through their shops. The American Museum of Natural History (shop.amnh.org) is the perfect place to start. Watch as your child looks back into the great halls as you head to the shop. The large appealing children’s section encourages kids to ask to see the real things in the museum. You’ll soon be returning for an admissions ticket for a fulfilling and educational experience in an exciting place open 363 days of the year!
I’m not alone in finding museum shops enticing. Many shopping guides recommend our exceptional NYC museum stores, including MAD’s (thestore.madmuseum.org). Others that regularly make the lists include:
• Metropolitan Museum of Art (store.metmuseum.org)
• Museum of Modern Art (moma.org)
• Brooklyn Museum (brooklynmuseum.org)
• Rubin Museum (rubinmuseum.org)
• Jewish Museum (shop.thejewishmuseum.org)
• New York Transit Museum (transitmuseumstore.com)
• Studio Museum in Harlem (studiomuseum.org)
• The 9/11 Museum (groundzeromuseumstore.org)
Whether your tastes run to the arts, history, culture or technology, no doubt a purchase in a museum store will extend your experience and help make it possible for others to enjoy what museums offer.
But when it’s jewelry you’re after, start April 3rd-8th with the MAD: LOOT sale and check out the store on the first floor to see former LOOT designers’ work with other outstanding selections for more retail therapy.
Doing good wears well over time!
For more information on MAD: LOOT, visit madmuseum.org.
Joan Hornig is a New York-based Jewelry Designer, Social Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist. She left a Wall Street career 15 years ago to create a jewelry line at Bergdorf Goodman, where 100 percent of her profit is donated to the charity of the purchaser’s choice.