Feb26 – Patron Interview Notes

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2.16.08

Patrons Interviewed:
Woman, 24 years old
From Robinson PA
Works in business supply chain
Moved to PA 8 months ago from Michigan for job

Woman, 24 years old
From suburb of Detroit Michigan
Graduate student
Visiting above friend for the weekend

Description of Process:
Initiated interview in MF Café. Asked to join them while they waited for a third friend. Asked both women the 2.9.08 Research Questions. Let conversation flow from questions as was natural.

Interview Responses:
We were looking for different things to do. Something different to do in Pittsburgh. Looked at the Carnegie Museum. Did a google search and found MF.

Had heard about MF through a coworker. She had said that she had “checked out contemporary artsy place.”

We were trying to figure out something to do.

The website was good. Direct with photos and information.

Modern art not installation art was what they were thinking the place was about. Not clear on installation art.

Described MF as “incognito” You are able to pass it without really realizing it is there. No advertisements for people just walking by.

They just “grabbed info” off the front counter. Did not hear a speech or information from anyone. But what they grabbed did not give them the information they expected. Wanted to know more general info in a brochure rather than the Become a Member brochure they picked up. Want to know about:
- The different buildings
- – “Fun facts”
- Artist information
- Installation art generally (what it is, how to interact/experience it)
- The position of the MF in the international/art world.

2.16.08

Patron Interviewed:
Man, 36 years old
From New York City, NY
Architect in PA on business
New of the MF and wanted to see it in person

Description of Process:
Initiated interview in basement floor of MF. Asked to speak to him briefly about his experience. Asked the 2.9.08 Research Questions. Let conversation flow from questions as was natural.

Interview Responses:
I heard about MF through a friend who used to live here. I have visited the 2nd and 3rd floor.

I know what installation art is.

It is confusing to get here. I knew the address and confused by the various entrances from the various streets. Did not know the parking lot was coming until I had pretty much passed it. Had to circle around. Assumed this was the MF because of how different the building is from surrounding ones.

Asked someone “this is MF, right?”

The group that was on the second floor with me changed my experience. I had been there alone and then this group came in. They talked a lot and were loud, so changed the experience for me.

I did pick up the artist card. But I only saw one.

Everyone has a different thing they are doing (artists). Pieces not attributed.

Did not know the art was site specific.

Best collection of Terrel. Compared to what he saw in Dallas. “These installations are amazing!”

Don’t know about the artists. Would like to. Would like to know more about their relationship to MF.