Thanks for all the responses about practices/policies on painting galleries during regular museum hours.

Our exhibit coordinator was painting a flexible wall system we have for exhibits in a gallery which was blocked off with stanchions. He started at 3 p.m. on a day when we had no groups scheduled and was done by 4:30. A staff member who happened to walk by in the hall outside the
gallery complained about eye irritation. No one else complained.

I have been in other museums while parts of walls of exhibit halls were being painted and there was simply a wooden temporary wall that did not extend to the ceiling or even just a "wet paint" sign.

We want to be considerate of everyone. I think informing staff in advance of small painting projects so that people who are sensitive can avoid the area would be a good idea in the future. This is just latex paint with no toxic chemical warnings regarding fumes on the label.

What do you think?

Again, thanks to all.

Susan Felker
Assistant Director for Outreach
Virginia Museum of Natural History

heather macdonald wrote:

> "For an upcoming major painting job, the museum will be closed at 3:00 pm...."

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