Ms. Maynard has requested info about open "ART" collections storage. I am
biased in terms of art, as I consider "decorative art" to be an integral
part of Art as a subject and discipline. Consequently, I would refer her and
all others interested in this subject to the wonderful new facility at
Historic Deerfield. The purpose-built storage facility is both secure and
open. The combination means that the collection is safe but very accessible
for close scrutiny by the public and by professionals.

Any art gallery would be well served to base their own "open storage"
facilities on Historic Deerfield's model. In effect, they have not only
produced organized storage space but also another gallery!

I hope that this helps.

Sincerely,
Laura W.S. Petznick, Ph.D.
------Original Message------
From: val <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: March 7, 2000 8:03:35 PM GMT
Subject: Tours of Art Storage


Please excuse cross-postings:

I am posting the following inquiry for a colleague. Please reply to the list
or directly to: [log in to unmask]" target="_blank">http:[log in to unmask]

"I recently read the discussion on the list [Museum-Ed] about tours of
collections, and
they seemed to be mostly occurring in history museums. I am curious about
art museums, and whether anyone is currently offering tours on occasion of
their art storage areas. Ten years ago, there was a major attempt to "turn
museums inside out" and provide glimpses of the inner working of museums to
visitors through vehicles like "open storage" and windows in conservation
areas, etc. Has anyone out there actually accomplished this?

Our security consultants strongly recommend that we not make any part of our
storage or vault areas accessible to the public, but on occasion we find it
especially appropriate to offer guided, behind-the-scenes tours for the
public to meet the museum staff who work with the collections and are
involved in exhibition design. Museum month is coming up and we are hoping
to be able to arrange these tours for small (15 people max) family groups
and high school/college students on "career day" type visits.

We'd love to hear from any art museums who have such an opportunity
available.  Thanks very much!

Margie Maynard
Curator of Education
San Jose Museum of Art
110 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113
408.271.6840"

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