Thursday, March 9, 2017

Joplin Museum Complex to hold reception for curator Chris Wiseman

(From Joplin Museum Complex)

Over the last twenty years Chris Wiseman has been the curator for the Joplin Museum Complex (JMC). Wiseman began his JMC career in 1997 as the curator of the collections. In his work, he has served in numerous capacities such as exhibit designer, educator, conservator and preservation consultant.

To recognize Wiseman and his repertoire of projects and knowledge that helps tell Joplin’s history, the Joplin Museum is hosting a reception in his honor. It will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 at the Museum in Schifferdecker Park. The public is invited to meet Chris and view some of his work at the Museum.

“Chris has been instrumental in so many projects throughout the years,” said Brad Belk, Director of the Museum. “His talents are far-reaching, and he always provides a creative and unique perspective to the projects he’s involved with, whether it’s for the Museum, another company or a general request. We’re very proud of him and are pleased that so many have been able to enjoy his work.”

Wiseman was born in Joplin, Missouri and is a graduate of McAuley High School. In 1990 he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science from Missouri Southern State University. Eight years later he received a Master’s degree in Museum Science from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

Wiseman's design work can be viewed throughout the museum. His most impressive work can be found in the mineral wing. Wiseman's unique design allows the museum visitor to feel immersed into an underground mine setting. Additional in-house creations include the Joplin Sports Hall of Fame and the Empire District Electric Company displays. Wiseman was also instrumental in relocating the National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum from Knightstown, Indiana to the Joplin Museum.

His work can be discovered throughout the community as well. Wiseman's vintage large format photo exhibits enhance the walls of the Joplin Regional Airport and the Schifferdecker Golf Course clubhouse. At the Dr. Donald E. Clark Public Safety and Justice Center, Wiseman pays tribute to Joplin's former mayor Donald Clark as well as the Joplin Police and Fire Departments.

Through the years Wiseman has presented hundreds of educational tours through the museum. He has provided lectures, audiovisual presentations and tours on a variety of subjects to students of all ages ranging from grade school to university students and adults. He also holds a great deal of knowledge in determining the origin and type of rocks and mineral, and often assist the public with their inquiries.

Wiseman has directed the textile conservation and preservation project with Missouri Southern State University. For over a decade he has taught a hands-on class to university students in conserving and cataloging the museum vast and unique textile collection.

Wiseman co-authored and designed "Riches from the Earth: The Geological and Industrial Heritage of Jasper County, Missouri." an online exhibit on the Virtually Missouri website.

Wiseman has designed a variety of educational outreach publications, and digitally restored photographs for the 160-page Murwin Mosler's Joplin in the 1940s and the history of Missouri Southern State University in a book titled 75 Years of Lion Pride. During his tenure, Wiseman has designed 19 calendars for the Joplin Historical Society.

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