Considering the Collection Each Artwork at a Time

The Museum's collection is comprised of truly curious and beautiful
objects. As you might expect, there is much about the more than 6,000
artworks in our collection that we know. But, thee is much we all still
have to learn. As time goes by, more of the story behind each artwork
may be revealed. In many ways artworks have a life of their own, as
they age more questions arise and other aspects of their nature become
important. Often the discoveries are made because when we get together
to look and discuss what our imagination tells us, new facts come to light.

So, we are searching for answers among the artworks in our care. One by
one. But as we document what we know about each piece, we find more
questions. Just think of what it is like to find something wonderful
put aside many years ago. It works like a time capsule, in that someone
set it aside for the future to discover what was only waiting to be
known. Considering the number of artworks in our collection it would
seem that the process of discovery could go on a very long time.

The public component is very important, because the museum also wants to capture stories that individuals in the community have, about the people, places or events reflected in artworks, about regional artists, donors, or about the museum itself.  “We can’t predict exactly what information might come from the public,” Spooner states, “but I know from meeting with many people in the community that a wealth of information about art and artists reside in their experience, memory and insights. All too often, that information is lost to history because no one asked. Well, we’re asking!”

This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.