“The real concern in my work is to try to transform these spaces into spaces of healing rather than harm.” ~ Chris Patrello
Every day, Chris Patrello wrestles with the nature of creating sanctuary for objects of cultural, historical and religious value. As the Assistant Curator of Anthropology, he is responsible for sharing the stories of objects in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in ways that honor the past and traditions, while helping others learn. But, as Chris tells us, “What is sanctuary for one person is not always sanctuary for another.” In this engaging talk, Chris takes us through the history of sanctuary and how modern spaces such as museums are working to create environments of respect and healing.
About the speaker
Chris Patrello is the Assistant Curator of Anthropology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Originally from New York, he moved to Colorado four years ago to work at the Denver Art Museum. Chris’s research focuses on museum collections and the systems of exchange that produce them, and his favorite part of his job is learning about people and the things that are important to them. Personal connection is at the core of his practice. In a prior life, he was a professional baker and worked at an artisan bread shop during graduate school at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY. Currently, he works on reconnecting originating communities with their cultural heritage, reevaluating the museum’s collection of artworks, and planning permanent and temporary exhibits at the museum.
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Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, Colorado United States 80205
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