Dear Clay and Others Concerned about Public Lace Displays, Displaying lace in safe conditions is nearly impossible, if not undertaken by a museum with appropriate practices and insurance. I've been through this problem for the past 30 years, and would only associate with two museums (in New Jersey and in Maine) where I could be sure everything was either in glass cases and/or in a room that was locked in off-hours, and had docents in place when the space was open to the public. Sometimes I am asked to show antique Maine embroidery at the Maine State Museum during a weekend event. I stay with my exhibit all the time, and take it home each night. Even so, unattended children completely disregard the "Please Do Not Touch" signs. If they are that rude, so am I. I smile, then reach across and lift their hands up and away! The museum staff has never complained. There is lovely lace in Maine. If you should find yourself traveling this way, contact Tess or me to ask what can be privately arranged. We both participate in Arachne discussions often, so you have our addresses. Jeri Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center
In a message dated 5/3/2011 6:23:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: I, for one, have long since stopped putting my work in competitions. If it pleases me, that is enough. The eternal "State Fair" which occurs in the US in every state (I think?) in the union, has opportunities for exhibiting lace and competing for ribbons. I am not willing to put hundreds of hours of work on display on a table where the public can touch (and in the worst case, pilfer?). I am not convinced that the jurors in state fairs know anything about bobbin lace (although I know that for a number of years, our own Tamara Duvall donated her services for this). I'm always pleased when I hear that a lacemaker has taken a ribbon at a fair, but the risk isn't worth the prize for me. Sadly, I don't know of exhibits/competitions that rival the splendors of European exhibits which focus completely on lace and/or fine embroidery. I'd love to know about them if they exist!! Clay To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003 - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
