When the Smithsonian's Latino Museum opened its gallery at the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C., it marked the Institution's first museum space dedicated to the Latino experience on the National Mall. The 4,500-sq. ft. gallery is designed to engage multigenerational and cross-cultural audiences, and explores diverse stories of Latinos in the U.S. through dynamic, multidisciplinary exhibitions and immersive learning experiences.
The Latino Gallery’s inaugural presentation-Presente! A Latino History of the United States-connects visitors to Latino culture and lays a foundation for understanding how Latino communities have shaped U.S. history and culture. Featuring multimedia exhibits, physical objects and digital storytelling, the exhibition provides broad perspectives in terms of the larger role that Latinos have played in the American narrative.
Meet Us
The display elements in the Latino Gallery include an interactive, multimedia wall at the entrance that provides a prelude to what’s inside. Named ‘Meet Us,’ the large display was installed by audio-visual integrator BBI Engineering and is composed of a nearly 14-foot-long, 8-foot high (7.7) Planar® TVF Series LED video wall with a 1.2mm pixel pitch (TVF1.2).
According to David Coronado, senior communications officer with the National Museum of the American Latino, Meet Us was designed with engaging content to attract visitors, especially Latinos. “Research has shown that Latinos don’t visit museums as much compared to other demographics and one of the reasons why is because they don’t feel included or see themselves represented,” he said. “So, that was something we really took into consideration when we developed this installation. It had to be attractive to Latinos and immediately recognizable as something speaking to them.” But at the same time, Coronado added, the display also had to pique the curiosity of the non-Latino population visiting the National Mall.
Designed with a custom Unity application from Potion, Meet Us features dynamic images that reflect the diversity of Latino experiences in the U.S. and incorporates an imagined background plaza of Latino scenes including urban and rural landscapes.
When visitors approach and stand on a bronze medallion in front of the video wall, sensors trigger one of six virtual Latino greeters to appear and welcome them.
“The experience gives visitors a glimpse of the exhibition and invites them to come in,” Coronado said. “The motion graphics move from right to left, encouraging people to move in the direction of the entrance and follow the chronological layout of the exhibition.”
The Planar TVF Series LED video wall can also be easily configured for other uses. During the early concept phase of the multimedia wall, the museum staff suggested to include the ability to take over the video wall to screen videos or presentations on demand. During a recent press preview, he was able to see this feature in action.
“We wanted to stop the video during speaking remarks and display a splash screen, and were able to seamlessly switch from the default video loop to a static image,” Coronado said. “It was a ‘wow’ moment and it looked amazing.”
Sonia Carr, BBI Engineering project manager, said the Planar TVF Series LED video wall provides a great fit in terms of content and performance, with colors that are bright, vivid and well matched. “It’s immersive, and the interactivity is very responsive,” she said.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
