Art history majors Taliyah Bradberry, Claire Lee and Justin Schwab assumed that museum process would be covered in their classes. What they got was a backstage pass to the Vanderbilt University Museum of Art and a chance to process a collection.
Surrounded by wrapped canvases, leaning paintings, sculptures and box-stacked shelves, the trio are cataloging, indexing and researching the Lipschultz Collection-nearly 5,000 photographs donated to VUMA by Jennifer and Marc Lipschultz in 2025.
Valued at approximately $17 million, the collection spans photojournalism covering World War II and the Civil Rights Movement as well as conceptual, artist-driven works. Bradberry, Lee and Schwab are among the first students making it available to the Vanderbilt community and greater Nashville.
"I am a total nerd for museums and art, so knowing I have been one of the first students to engage with the collection is honestly the coolest thing ever," says Bradberry, Class of 2027.
Through hands-on curation work-organizing, pulling and indexing pieces, creating artist bibliographies, and entering the collection into VUMA's online cataloging system-Bradberry, Lee and Schwab are closing the gap between classroom theory and real-world experience, and sharpening a practical skill set along the way.
"Unlike a class, which is often limited to more general material-such as artworks spanning 200 years-curation focuses on putting isolated artworks into a specific context or theme," says Lee, Class of 2028. "My internship has taught me practical skills, like deep research and organization, that may not be necessary for a classroom setting."
"In most courses, you don't get to see the evolution of a large project," says Schwab, Class of 2028. "Learning how to structure a large project and ensuring that nothing relies on one person's knowledge has been challenging, but eye-opening."
The work is practical; the photos bring the lessons.
"Flipping through the AP wire photos reveals how far photography and art history expand beyond the walls of museums," Schwab says. "These photographs have made me question what counts as art, when does something become art, and how the digital age will impact our understanding of photographic art in the future."
All three agree that accessioning the Lipschultz collection has shaped their time at Vanderbilt and career paths for the better.
"This opportunity has given me a chance to connect with a network of art enthusiasts, albeit small and close-knit within the Vanderbilt community," Lee says. "From my supervisor to other interns to those who take the time out of their day to visit our current exhibition, I unexpectedly found myself closer to others who share my passion in art."
"I fell in love with the museum space through this experience," Bradberry says. "It has allowed me to gain more career experience and connection with the museum staff and my art history professors."
For students wondering how to find their footing at Vanderbilt, the trio has one suggestion: ask.
"I wanted to be helpful around the museum and asked registrar Rachelle Wilson what I could do," Schwab says. "Now I'm helping with an unbelievable new collection. There are so many opportunities around campus that open themselves up once you start looking for them."
"Don't be afraid to ask your professors and advisers if you can work with them," Bradberry says, "or if they know any opportunities that would fit perfectly with your interests."
-Porsha Thomas
