Kevin:

I can appreciate your concern for the artwork, but it seems that you
are asking for the impossible.  1. Lighting that can be turned off
when the artwork is not being viewed and 2.  daylight that enhances
the colors of the artwork.  Daylight is a bit hard to turn off when
it's not being used--not to mention the UV damage done to the artwork
by direct natural light (which I'm sure you are aware of)

All professionals who exhibit artifacts must balance conservation and
human enjoyment of the objects, and we are always looking for new ways
to accomplish *both*.

>>> Kevin McGuire <[log in to unmask]> - 11/7/96 8:36 PM >>>
I walk through some of most revered and respected museums in the
world and
I am saddened by the way these works of art, created by men who truly
had a god given gift, are disguised, defaced and cheapened by the way
they are presented.  Surely the people responsible for the display
and preservation of these masterpieces most always be looking for the
proper balance of showing the true beauty and genius without causing
undue harm.  Where are the motion sensors to dim the lighting when no
one is present in the rooms?
 These are the same types of sensors found in bathrooms (do we care
more about the porcelain for our toilet bowls?) and outdoor spot
lights.

As to the fundamental understanding of light and color, where is the
natural lighting?  Fluorescent lights are the equivalent to viewing
the world through a T.V. screen, and incandescent or halogen lights
are not much better, case in point, if you have ever tried selecting
colors under these lights you probably confused black for blue, tan
for green, peach for pink.  Color and its interaction with light is
too important a relationship not to understand and it is such a
simple concept if one takes time to comprehend it.  If you don't know
why educate yourself.  I have traveled all over the world teaching a
simple concept.  From the comfort of my home and yours I can now
begin to explain the fundamentals of color and light through the net.
 Visiting the web site http://www.vivanet.com/~kevlight/edu1.htm will
be a step towards understanding the interaction between light and
color. Your responsibility to honor the artists who left their life's
work to be enjoyed by generations is enormous.