Lighting Today

Once the artworks are all hung,and the labels in place, the next task is lighting. Lighting can dramatically change the piece , bringing it to life.  The preparator is using a lift to reach our track lights, while the registrar check the light meter in

front of the painting.

Unpacking, Checking Condition, Storing Crates

Toady the goal is to have all the crates unpacked!  Here you can see the deep foam padding inside a painting crate.

An Intern's Perspective

Sarah Velasquez, our intern from Vanderbilt, shares her insights on museum work:

                As I have progressed through my internship during these past six weeks, the amount of inside information I’ve been able to take in has been tremendous. When I was asked to write about what  knowledge I have garnered about incoming exhibitions themselves, with the arrival and on-going installation of The Golden Age,  one word came forefront above all others—adaption. Museums follow the laws of science to the extent that the fittest survive; the ones which adapt and evolve to a shifting and unstable environment are those who will be victorious. Working with what you already have for a small museum is a quintessential characteristic, and it is a concept which I saw heavily utilized here at The Art Museum. The genius use of space to accompany all 43 of the incoming crates is a magnificent achievement that left many people walking through to stop and stand in the new organized space with an expression of bewilderment, just like a child walking through the gates of Disney World for their very first time.

                The installation itself has also been an educational experience. Although I have only been able to observe for a short while, it does not take long to see the precision that accompanies these installations. The carefulness and accuracy that is used in handling these historic paintings is clearly evident, leading to a steady tension throughout the room. However, I do think this tension itself a good thing, since it truly shows the understanding and passion everyone has for these artworks. And that was something to be learned on its own.

Hanging the Portrait of Adelaide

The first painting is up - the largest one.  It is a Portrait of Madame Adelaide, about 1787 by Adelaide Labille-Guiard, oil on canvas.  A big job to hang!

An Exciting Day!

Here's some

shots from the installation as it begins:

Big Crates

That room we cleared out is now the staging area for three paintings - in these huge crates! there is a smaller crate with books that hold informati

on about each painting's condition. As each crate is opened, the painting is examined to make sure there are no changes, or damage that resulted from the shipping.

All Set for 43 Crates

In order to make room for all the crates we are expecting for the old Masters' show, we had to move our shop inventory, our docent teaching area, and office, art suppplies and lots of other things. Look at he progress we've made!