Operating Support
ACHF Arts Access
Working with a professional museum designer, we are redesigning our current space to better introduce and present the artistic, technical, and historical aspects of the woodturning medium. Goals for 2013 include completing the physical space design, call for bids, and selection of contractors; creating and launching a fundraising plan; and identifying and implementing the lower-cost components of the plan. Although our fiscal year 2013 goal, set in January 2012, was to complete the redesign planning process, we were able to complete the project itself by June 2013, finishing the redesign work and creating the related educational exhibitions, demonstration space, and moveable walls. As observed by gallery staff, visiting time has increased substantially; and more than half of all visitors, regardless of age, engage with the hands-on activities in the educational area. The redesign allowed us to increase our engagement with a wide variety of audiences by expanding our programming, including an exhibition in conjunction with the Ramsey County Historical Society's New Land/New Life exhibition; an art spoon show featuring Minnesota artists, and co-hosting Cocktails With Culture, a series of four events with the Schubert Club and Minnesota Landmarks. 2: We are documenting our permanent collection artwork, and sections of our permanent collection will be displayed on our Web site by June 2012. Our 2013 goal is to present virtual exhibits from our permanent collection on our Web site. The project plan was revised in an effort to better serve a wider audience; this has delayed completion of the project on the original timeline.
Our purpose in redesigning the museum was to create an engaging space in which to present the art of woodturning in its historical, technical, and artistic contexts. Through hands-on educational displays, historical exhibits, and regularly scheduled artist demonstrations, in addition to our art exhibitions, we are able to engage visitors in learning about this often unfamiliar craft and art form. The educational exhibitions illustrate the artistic and design decisions behind familiar, and seemingly mundane, objects like bowls and balusters, as well as sculptures, encouraging an awareness of form and material. The redesign, including moveable walls, has made it possible to host concurrent exhibitions, increasing our ability to feature local and regional artists, and present collaborative exhibitions and events with other institutions. 2: With the guidance of a professional registrar, a more complete database of objects than originally planned has been completed. Artist-related resources, including biographical information, articles, and Web links have been added, along with more detailed information on materials and techniques. Photography for the project is 35% complete, and we anticipate completing it in fall 2013. Revising our original plan to provide a richer experience for users has slowed progress, but it will ultimately result in a better resource for artists, students, and the general public.
Other
local or private