One thing to consider might be to start with curators who think that museums are only for paint and paper and such. Many are young women these days, and they knit and wear machine made lace; they just haven't connected their personal interests with their professional ones. So here's what is happening in Portland, Maine.
First, I asked if they had any lace in their collections. My request went through several people until one found that yes, a collection of lace had been donated years ago by a prominent citizen. But it hadn't been properly indexed (or whatever they do in museums) so they didn't think there was much of interest. I suggested that there was an active lace group in the area, and could we please set up a day to view some of the collection? It took several months for the idea to jell, and they finally photographed all the lace collection, sent it to me by email, and finally chose eighteen pieces to view. The woman who showed it to us was one of the behind the scenes staff, not a fancy curator. But it continues. Now my idea is to expand the research I have been asked to do on one portrait into first the information on that portrait, and then--how about a gallery talk on lace in costume? That should open a few eyes! The point is, you start with where the people are, and then expand on that. Draping lamp posts in lace just brings temporary laughs. On the other hand, whoever it was in Portland who wove a block-long chain link fence with bright blue plastic tape really did make a statement! Probably an art-school student, says my daughter. Aha! Have you thought of your local art school? Much to consider... Tess Parrish ([email protected]) in Maine USA, where we are about to have an early January thaw. - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
