MCA Store

Our Sunday afternoon excursion started with brunch and exploring the exhibitions at the MCA. We spent over an hour in the featured Faith Ringgold installation. Afterward, we visited the museum store. Everyone was especially friendly to my granddaughter and made her first experience an awarding experience.

I love the MCA. Beautiful art to be seen if you dare to enter. Leave a donation! The MCA store is THE best gift shop of any Chicago museum. It is the spot for cute knick knacks. Say hello to Maria while you shop, she was the "highlight" of my shopping experience. Pictures of my haul included.

Love this shop!! Tons of unique items and wide variety of coffee table books.

An employee inquired if i was an educator, and I answered yes, I am a metalsmithing teacher at an Art Studio. He proceeded to give me 10% discount for my purchases. I was so excited, and thanked him for letting me know of this.

Later on, I continued shopping and I checked out at a different counter and informed the cashier I was a teacher. Alana asked if i had an id, i said no. I told her I was an instructor at a metalsmithing studio and where. She didnt care to listen since my answer was not a big recognized university and said “Oh, its not valid, we recognize EDUCATORS EDUCATORS” implying im not considered a REAL educator? She said “did the other employee give you the discount? I said yes, she said “ok, THAT’s fine this time”

As if that wasn’t already insulting, she proceeded to yell loud enough for other customers and I to hear while I was still in the shop, to the employee that “next time ask for ID for the discount! Its only for EDUCATORS”

I get policy and guidelines. However, there was a kind way to deliver this if so. I felt ashamed that I got the employee in trouble and yelled at publicly. So unprofessional. Alana could have pulled him aside, and not do that in front of me. She obviously wanted to make a point. I left bc I was insulted.

Now, Im a woman of color. Would she have done that otherwise? All this for $8.60 which seriously I would have paid if it meant that much to Alana. Im just appalled by her unprofessional behavior.

Other than that, as an ARTIST, and a prior member of the MCA, I have always been a fan of supporting the MCA and appreciate the MCA store. Thank you Eddie for your kindness in helping me pick out gifts for my family.