Museum gift shops are often inspirational jewels themselves, and the gift shop at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is enjoying a renaissance. The new product specialist, Wendy Leach, earned a BFA in painting, and has a background in retail as well. She visited the museum for the first time when she was a senior in high school.
“It was the first time I had been in a large encyclopedic museum, and it was amazing,” Leach says. “The Caravaggio was so striking, and I recall the magical feeling of connecting so directly to the cultures and people from the past through the objects displayed.”
Leach is a freelance illustrator and loves the collaboration of creative projects. She had volunteered at the museum store and when the position became available, she thought it would be a good fit. She says the product refresh is a group effort, which results in a broader selection, including pieces inspired by the collection.
“The store manager has a great eye and experience on what sells well. We take the time to discuss the pros and cons of each piece we consider bringing in,” she says.
They are sensitive to the diversity of the museum’s visitors.
“Our visitors are a diverse group, from the Art Lover, the Student, the Family on Vacation, the Creative Explorer—and others. We want to offer something for each person that will remind them of their visit and the feelings it sparked while they were here.”
Because of this, they are careful that the pieces they carry tie back to the collection and honors it in some way. In addition, they consult with the curators to identify pieces that could inspire custom products, and they work with the museum’s graphic design team to help create custom products. The new silk scarf featuring miniatures from the Starr Collection is a charming example, as are the growing offerings featuring the Shuttlecock by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Brugge.
In addition, they’ve broadened their selection of local artists.
“Kansas City is full of amazing talent! It’s such a joy to see what people create,” Leach says. “I supposed that’s why I love the museum so much—all the human creativity within its walls.”