Dear Candace,
I understand your guilt, but I say leave it behind.  I work in a very small
museum and put up exhibits on an even smaller budget.  I focus on starting
with a worthwhile message, preferably new research, and struggle with
finding the cheapest media to carry that message.  I wander through hardware
stores looking for materials that weren't built to do what I want, but with
a little help, will fit the bill.  I often have to tell salespeople to go
away while I walk because I'm tired of saying, "no, I don't know what I'm
looking for - yet."  Would I prefer to go get the good stuff (whatever that
is)?  Of course, but that's because it would be easier on me.  I don't think
the museum's visitors are losing much, if anything.  As I say, we are SMALL.
I have six rooms to shape and mold to my vision.  I've occasionally had to
complete a planning schedule for an exhibit grant and am usually stumped.
When do I plan to do any one part of the project?  When my legs get me
there.  I don't have time to sit down and plan every move for the next six
months.  On the fly is standard procedure.  I usually hang a new show that
stays up for about a year for under $5000.00.  I have done it for much less,
AND those shows have won interpretation awards.  I've printed posters for
$200.00 that won publishing awards.  I don't say this to pat myself on the
back, but to make the point that quality does not rely on dollars.  Dollars
help!  But thought and ingenuity go a very, very long way.

I say be proud of your ingenuity and leave the guilt for childrearing or dog
training.  Was I too stern? Did she misunderstand? Am I pushing her past her
developmental level?  I could go on.  I certainly have plenty of guilt
there.  I'm not a person given to platitudes, but somehow, know that even
large museums have the problem of adequately servicing their visitors, and
that we all need to accept our accomplishments.

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