This week the Museum really is in the middle. It’s in the middle of taking down half of the African American quilt exhibition BOLD EXPRESSIONS. As usual, I am sad to say good-bye to so many beautiful objects that had become rather dear to me. It seems there’s almost never enough time to look at such beautiful objects. Fortunately, quite a few of their fellows will remain to be admired until December 18. Before they return to their home and their collector Corrine Riley, they’ll pay a prolonged call at the Bellevue Arts Museum in Washington. Now that I think about it, I have relatives up there. Maybe I should visit them sometime after the first of the year.
Meanwhile in the exhibitionless Taylor Gallery, the installation crew is busy removing partitions and platforms as all is being readied for the Museum’s Treasures Art Sale. The word is that there may be 5000 objects in the sale. Many of these items have been in storage for years. Fifty-some tables have been ordered to display this wealth of goodies. A space must be set aside for cash registers. There will even be a spot where shoppers may leave their purchases for later pickup while they wander through the Museum’s exhibitions. Of course all this requires a total reconfiguration.
The inventory is composed of objects that were never accessioned (taken into the Museum’s collection). Some pieces may duplicate others already accessioned while others are wonderful for home enjoyment, but not appropriate for exhibition. Shoppers will have a field day. Does your Lion Dance Costume need a new head? You’ll find it here. Do you need a new Mardi Gras mask? I’d recommend a white, metal number I saw when I went snooping this morning. I can’t tell you much more. Merchandise Central is the Museum’s Multimedia Room, and most everything for the sale has been unpacked and priced by a hand-picked, knowledgeable crew. I consider them a group of High Wizards, initiated into the Great Secrets of the Sale. The rest of us have to make do with occasional glimpses because what they unpacked and priced, they then repacked in cardboard boxes. These are now stacked around the walls; so on opening day (November 18) a big surprise awaits the staff as well as thepatrons.
I did get word yesterday that a full samurai suit of armor was unearthed or maybe unmothballed. Today I was allowed to peer at the breastplate and the top of the helmet in their – what else – cardboard box. It’s a spiffy ensemble, typical of the quality of the merchandise in the sale.
All of this has been masterminded by capable James Miller, the development manager, who can be seen at his laptop in the Multimedia Room most days. He was also the mover who brought all the boxes of inventory from wherever they were stored. Basically, James has been living with the sale and its merchandise for the last six months. It’s been a heroic effort, and I thought he’d be looking forward to moving back to his cubicle soon after November 19, the sale’s closing day, but it appears the extra space of the Multimedia Room will be hard to give up. I’ve also heard that he has friends and relatives who anxiously await his return. Fellow consumers, he’s given himself so that we may shop. What a noble fellow!
Now that the sale is only a week away, plan to drop by on Friday the 18th if you’re a member or on Saturday the 19th if you’re not. There will be plenty of treasures to pick from, and, as I keep telling you, the gift-giving season is perilously close. Bargains abound in this rich array. Don’t miss the chance to snag just what you always wanted, but thought you’d never find, and at a price you can’t beat.
Here endeth the sales pitch.
From the top:
Bold Expressions lives (just like it says)
Gallery in preparation to be a retail space.
James, cardboard boxes and laptop.
Table of treasures.