Design Island Completes New Museum Exhibit, Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America

Orlando, FL  - The new museum exhibit, “Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America,” is now open at the Cincinnati Museum Center. The project was developed by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) in association with the Cincinnati Museum Center. In 2005, Bob Weis Design Island, an award-winning multi-media concept and production company located in Orlando, Florida, received a call from Helen Garvey, chairwoman of the History Committee for LCWR, Garvey wanted to explore ideas on how to create an exhibit honoring the history and contributions of the Catholic Sisters that could tour American museums including the Smithsonian. Mellissa Berry of Design Island worked with the sisters over four years developing their storyline, setting up research systems, and developing a venue strategy. “We traveled across the country interviewing sisters in their communities, on Capitol Hill, in hospitals and colleges,” says Berry. “We unearthed archival film that has never been seen outside of the sister communities. Along with artifacts, photos and the sisters’ personal stories, visitors to the exhibit will be able to explore a culture and way of life that is often viewed as mysterious.” The exhibit has broad audience appeal and is composed of rich content warmly presented on birch walls and enhanced by interpretive media. It showcases a wealth of stunning photographs and rare artifacts many seen in public for the first time including journals of immigration experiences, pioneering healthcare devices and personal diaries. Tim Steinouer, President of Design Island, worked in partnership with LCWR team to create an immersive media experience that conveys the sisters involvement in key events in American history such as the Civil War, the Influenza Epidemic, the Civil Rights Movement, and Hurricane Katrina. “Working closely with all the different sister communities, we were able to learn about their private and public lives,” says Steinouer. ”This exhibit will allow visitors to see what an important role the sisters have played in American history.” The unique graphics design was developed by Hunt Design. Design Island produced all media elements under Berry and Steinouer’s creative direction with John Rice, Charlie Deaux, D7 Inc, and Luna Red. Seruto & Co. was responsible for the production, art direction and touring of the exhibit. “Women & Spirit,” is slated to open at the Women's Museum in Dallas, Texas in 2009, and will premiere at the Smithsonian S. Dillon Ripley Center in January of 2010. http://www.womenandspirit.org/index.html http://www.cincymuseum.org/. www.designisland.com

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