Shirley Verrico: Art Curator
Walking through the garden is a sacred act. You’re able to take the gardeners' efforts in making a beautiful space filled with amazing plants. No one knows that better than Shirley Verrico.
As a museum curator, Shirley chooses what artwork is featured in exhibitions, and she’s found a lot of parallels between her curating work and her gardening.
“I have to care for the intent of the artist. I have to care for the objects. And I think that's very similar to what I do in the garden. I am curating my garden all the time.”
Another parallel she’s noticed is that both museums and gardens urge you to take your time, something that’s become a rarity in this day and age.
“What I really love about gardening is the slow looking, and I guess that's another connection to the art world for me. So I find it peaceful, I find it incredibly satisfying, but I also find it really important for my own cognitive experience.”
Opening up her garden for people to visit has connected Shirley with an amazing community, and taught her the benefits of being more open with new people in general.
“It reminds me, I don't have to be afraid of people I don't know. I don't have to believe that lie. So being out in the garden is part of me choosing that.”
A film by Michael Chernoff.
