Vernissage: My Practice
A vernissage – a derivative of the French word “to varnish” – is an exhibition preview. The word derives from the 19th-century custom for artists to varnish or touch-up artwork on the day prior to an opening celebration.
In my visionary practice, I assist museums, collectors, and cultural organizations in “varnishing” or elevating products and services and creating innovative ways to exhibit and interpret art for enjoyment and meaningful engagement.
Elizabeth Chubbuck Weinstein President & Founder, Vernissage LLC
For more than 30 years, I have worked in the cultural field, including 20 years in senior leadership roles in museums managing exhibitions, collections, and interpretation; 5 years in grant-making and fundraising positions, including membership; and 4 years in commercial art sales. In 2020, I struck out on my own and incorporated Vernissage in 2024.
Since then, I have contributed my expertise towards realizing a variety of exciting projects for a wide range of clients, including museums, arts organizations, educational venues, private and corporate collections, and artists. I bring a well-honed aesthetic sense and professionalism to every project.
Over the course of my career, I have curated over 100 museum exhibitions and written extensively on art and culture. I am working on several book projects and regularly contribute to publications. I hold a master’s degree from Manchester University/Sotheby’s Institute in London in Post War and Contemporary Art and two undergraduate degrees from Newcomb College of Tulane University. I specialize in mid-century British art as well as that of Louisiana and the Southern Region, where I live. For 18 years, I was Director of Interpretation and Chief Curator of the Louisiana Art & Science Museum and formerly worked for the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Alexandria Museum of Art. I also managed one of New Orlean’s most prestigious contemporary art galleries in New Orleans for two years, cultivating clients and artists as well as creating sales opportunities.
My grant-writing skills were honed during my time managing the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities’ grant program. I have secured funds from many national, state, and local organizations. I am often called upon to be a grant reviewer.
My volunteer service to the cultural field is extensive. I am a former gubernatorial appointee to the boards of the Louisiana State Arts Council and the Louisiana Folklife Commission, and a past president of the Louisiana Association of Museums and the Louisiana Art Conservation Alliance. I am a peer accreditation reviewer for the American Alliance of Museums. In 2017, the Louisiana Association of Museums honored me with the Career Professional Award for my statewide service to the museum field.
Full CV available upon request