WestMuse Blog

Written by 2022 Wanda Chin Scholarship recipient Keala Rusher

Written by 2022 Wanda Chin Scholarship Recipient Jenna Canals

I can do this. One final affirmation in the mirror before Day 1 of my first conference. My heart is in my throat, my stomach is in my butt, and I’m flooded with equal parts excitement and apprehension. I’m out the door and on my way to the Opening Session and Keynote. I’ve missed most of the morning coffee but my 8 AM “Pep Talk with Self” ran a little late.

Fear-extinguishing elements in order of appearance:

Written by 2022 Wanda Chin Scholarship Recipient Elizabeth Beutel

I had the honor of attending the 2022 WMA Conference in Portland, OR as a Wanda Chin Scholarship Awardee. While there, several events reminded me of an important lesson to keep in mind as I navigate the museum world: Simple questions almost never have simple answers.

Written by 2022 Wanda Chin Scholarship Recipient Terri Thomas

Thanks to a generous Wanda Chin scholarship, I was privileged to be a first-time attendee at the Western Museums Association annual meeting, where talented museum professionals came together after a prolonged period of separation and shared bold visionary work that reflects the needs of our current times. Like flame licking up the side of a log I was fired up with excitement, lapping up best practices, novel leading-edge ideas, and peer advice.

With almost every WMA Weekly newsletter, we share out a fun-to-watch Moment of Zen to help brighten up everyone's inbox. Always a popular feature, we wanted to highlight our MOST watched Moments of Zen, taking a look between January 1, 2022, and today.

Of course, none-other than the Golden Girl herself, Betty White, took top place with a variety of adorable, funny animals following suit.

Installation view, Many Wests, Whatcom Museum. Photo: Christopher Scarborough

Written by Amy Chaloupka, Curator of Art, Whatcom Museum

Congratulations to WMA's 2022 Leadership Award recipient Dr. John H. Falk!