Curator Elissa Auther, inherited a strange legacy. The museum where she works re-branded itself about two decades ago, from the American Crafts Museum, to the Museum of Art and Design – or MAD. That sets the stage for doing things differently. As a relative newcomer, Dr. Auther, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator, has sought ways to represent the permanent collection to audience viewers in ways that are different and engaging. For example, in 2020 she curated Vera Paints a Scarf to bring attention to Vera Neumann’s role as a fashion designer and as a significant contributor to the idea of a lifestyle brand. The Vera Neumann exhibit also drew attention to the sense of craftsmanship which informed Neumann’s designs for her mass-produced commercial product line.