My Job: Karen Werth

Karen Werth is deputy chief of the Exhibitions Office.

Tell us about your background.

I grew up in the Washington, D.C., metro area and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture from Winthrop University and a Master of Fine Arts in jewelry design and metalsmithing from the University of Michigan.

As a student, I volunteered in galleries at both of my universities. While serving as an adjunct professor at Winthrop University, it became apparent to me that the museum profession was a viable and exciting direction.

My journey took me first to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, where I served as exhibit designer, then to the University of Maryland, where I created and taught undergraduate courses in museum studies in addition to designing and producing exhibits.

Later, I served as project manager for museum exhibit fabricators and design firms, overseeing the design and production of high-profile, large-scale, multimillion dollar projects for cultural institutions across the country.

What brought you to the Library, and what do you do?

I joined the Exhibits Office in 2011 as a production officer, charged with managing procurement and production for the Library’s exhibits and displays.

In 2018, I was promoted to deputy chief of exhibitions. Now, in addition to overseeing the production of exhibitions, I actively participate in planning, budgeting, design development and procurement for them.

What are some of your standout projects?

I have had the privilege of working on many exceptional projects at the Library, including the Magna Carta exhibit, “Baseball Americana” and the Rosa Parks exhibit, to name a few. But the recent Treasures Gallery opening has been one of my more challenging and exciting adventures.

It required countless hours of planning, collaborating and creative problem solving involving the Exhibits Office, the exhibit design firm, an exhibit fabricator and stakeholders from across the Library in partnership with the U.S. Capitol Police and the Architect of the Capitol.

The final design features monumental and elegant glass display cases that allow visitors to experience the Library’s collections from many perspectives.

One of the greatest challenges for this project was getting these large glass cases into the Jefferson Building. They had to be carefully craned into the building in sections through a second-floor balcony door, an effort that took many weeks to coordinate and two full days to complete.

After the delivery, the project team spent several weeks assembling casework and installing collections, graphics and audiovisual components to create a magical and engaging exhibit experience — one that I hope will captivate visitors!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I am an accomplished fine craft artist. Since 2010, I’ve created fused glasswork that I display and sell at craft shows and festivals around the region. I continue to explore new techniques and processes and occasionally attend workshops and artist residencies at places such as the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York, and Penland School of Craft in Ashville, North Carolina. 

What is something your co-workers may not know about you?

I have been an active member of the Capital Rowing Club since 1996, and I row out of the Anacostia Community Boathouse. I learned to row with Capital and competed as a master rower for 12 years, winning gold on a regional, national and international level.  I’ve since retired from competition, though I still row for fun and exercise.

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