WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
With rigorous scholarship and an inquisitive mind, Margi has a talent for uncovering stories that have lingered in the shadows of history. As curator of Crafting Freedom, she shepherded a visually stunning exhibition that breathed life into a narrative long overlooked.
Pam Schafler, board chair emerita, New-York Historical Society
Margi Hofer is an inspired, rigorous and thoughtful scholar and researcher. In her role as Curator and Museum Director at the New-York Historical Society, she has mined its holdings to reveal not only the richness of those holdings, but the essential histories and backstories of the artists and objects represented there. She has presented in depth and nuanced exhibitions on the work of Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls, Black Dolls, and decorated stoneware by the African American potter, Thomas Commeraw. In all of these exhibitions, she has given voice, context and connection of these works to our shared national history.
Nancy Druckman, former head of American folk art, Sotheby’s
In 2007, Margi and her co-curators upended scholarship on Tiffany Studios with the revelation that Clara Driscoll, not Louis Tiffany, designed most of the firm’s nature-themed lampshades. Their groundbreaking book and exhibition inspired the installation of the New-York Historical Society’s permanent gallery of Tiffany lamps, glass and metalwork. Thanks to Margi’s curatorial vision, the exhibition dazzles visitors while enlightening them about the women who labored behind the scenes to create Tiffany’s iconic lamps. As in the title of the 2007 book and exhibition, Margi, her co-curators and the New-York Historical Society have indeed provided “a new light on Tiffany."
Arlie Sulka, Tiffany glass expert and owner, Lillian Nassau LLC
It was a privilege to have Margi Hofer curate an exhibition featuring handmade dolls and photographs from my collection. She pursued her vision for Black Dolls with careful thought and a discerning eye, keeping me informed at every step along the way. To have brought the exhibition to fruition in the challenging circumstances of the pandemic was truly a feat.
Deborah Neff, collector
Margi’s co-stewardship of the exhibition and prize-winning catalogue Making It Modern: The Folk Art Collection of Elie and Viola Nadelman was a momentous achievement. Objects and artworks ranging across time periods and geography were given astute individual and contextual treatment. Margi shines a broad and inclusive light on details as well as the big picture, and she is a pleasure to work with.
Cynthia Nadelman, writer and art critic
Margi Hofer is extremely talented and creative. Any institution would be lucky to have her judgment on a wide range of issues. She would be my first call for consulting advice on any major museum project.
John Monsky, flag collector, history lecturer, and co-vice chair of the New-York Historical Society
Margi has been instrumental in the evolution of New-York Historical over the past three decades. From her pivotal work on the permanent Gallery of Tiffany Lamps to her achievements as Museum director, she has crafted outstanding exhibitions, expanded our collections, and enriched the historical narrative for our audiences. We are immensely grateful for the legacy she leaves.
Louise Mirrer, president and CEO New-York Historical Society