Trophy Member

2003-2009

mixed media

dimensions variable

In addition to honoring art enthusiasts, the artwork, Trophy Member includes

them as part of the artwork. Pavlisko was motivated by the idea of museum

membership, he wondered what institutionalized membership actually

meant—did the paying member in some way own the artwork? This idea led

him to wonder if he, as an artist, could also function as an institution.

For Trophy Member, Pavlisko assembled a collection of trophies that would

bear the names of members of the project. He distributed pamphlets around

Progressive’s headquarters, collecting nominations for employees who were

art lovers, as well as accepting paid donations. The amount that each member

paid to the artist and artwork was taken into account when determining the

title that would be engraved on the trophy. For instance, a donation of at

least $100 was required in order to be named a “Friend of the Artist.” Trophy

Member gained popularity at Progressive, the project continued for six years.

The endeavor was successful in two ways—in advancing Pavlisko’s career

and providing art patrons with an interactive arts experience that enabled

them to celebrate one another.

-Julissa Bruno