Joel Bartsch: Photos Presented in Masterpieces of the Mineral World

Monday, April 17, 2023

Photos Presented in Masterpieces of the Mineral World

In addition to serving as the president and CEO of the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) since 2004, Joel A. Bartsch educates the public on mineralogy via methods like curated museum exhibits and publications. One example of Joel Bartsch’s published works is Masterpieces of the Mineral World: Treasures from the Houston Museum of Natural Science (Masterpieces of the Mineral World).

Masterpieces of the Mineral World educates readers on pieces from the HMNS’ Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, one of its permanent exhibits. They are presented as a coffee table book, primarily photographs rather than text highlighting each specimen. Jeffrey Scovil took the 150 photos within, taking care to emulate the view granted by real-world visitors to the hall, who may observe the pieces through the glass from all angles.

Wendell E. Wilson and Mark Mauthner authored Masterpieces of the Mineral World, and Bartsch curated the photographs. Harry N. Abrams Published the 264-page hardcover book in November 2004.

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About Joel Bartsch

Since 2004, Joel A. Bartsch has led the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) as president and CEO. In this capacity, he coordinates and leads museum staff and curators in the creation and maintenance of immersive exhibits, implements renovation strategies, and promoting museum-wide leadership. Through these efforts and many others, Joel A. Bartsch has nearly doubled both the institution’s annual attendance and membership base. He also oversaw two major expansions at the museum that added more than 250,000 square feet of space.

Mr. Bartsch began gaining experience in museum leadership more than three decades ago, when he joined the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum as a curatorial assistant and assistant to the director. He held this role during his last years as a mining engineering student at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden. From there, Mr. Bartsch took on staff roles at the Texas Memorial Museum and HMNS, curator of earth sciences at Lyman House Memorial Museum in Hawaii, and director and curator of the California State Mining & Mineral Museum.

Through these positions, Joel Bartsch gained extensive experience in everything from managing daily operations and directing fundraising efforts to writing corporate grant requests. He drew on this experience when he returned to HMNS as a curator, project manager, and director of earth sciences, the positions he held immediately prior to his current role as the president and CEO.