Syracuse Sun

Since 2008, the Upstate Medical University Life Sciences exhibition at Syracuse's Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) has attracted many visitors with its giant reproductions of human body parts. However, its depiction of skin lacked inclusivity.

The MOST's body exhibition has now undergone an inclusive transformation, led by James Haywood Rolling Jr., a professor at the School of Education and College of Visual and Performing Arts, along with his former student, Karyn Meyer-Berthel G’21.

Meyer-Berthel, known for her ability to match paint colors to any skin tone, began her career painting theater sets. Her experience includes roles with art material manufacturers and a Mellon internship at the National Gallery of Art. This background made her ideal for updating the MOST's human body exhibition.

Rolling, who also runs JHRolling Arts, Education, Leadership Strategies—a DEI consultancy—was asked to help improve the MOST's exhibitions for better representation. "Our main objective with this project was to better fulfill our core values by making sure that the models and images in our exhibitions reflect the people who visit them," says Emily Stewart, Ph.D., senior director of education and curation at MOST.

Creative placemaking was utilized in this update. "That life sciences exhibition was over 10 years old, and it’s striking that there were no persons of color represented," Rolling notes.

Meyer-Berthel focused on updating the giant ear display due to its anatomical consistency across ethnicities. Her expertise in matching skin tones allowed her to blend colors effectively: "No matter the ethnicity, every skin tone includes blue, red and yellow."

With 28% of Syracuse’s population being African American, Meyer-Berthel adjusted the ear model to a brown skin tone while considering factors like museum lighting and durability against touch. She used acrylic paints from Golden Artist Colors for their versatility and applied a sealant for protection.

"We are so thrilled with the work she has done," says Stewart. "Her thoughtful consideration and expertise helped us to identify the right paint colors, finishes and techniques."