A current collaboration not to be missed: “Treasured Memories: The Altamont Fair”

To the Editor:
The recent editorial, “The circle of life enriched by sharing,” is as timely as it is informative. Sharing and cooperation enriches all phases of existence, especially when endangered, and the arts are certainly that.

The coverage of the exceptional work of John Elberfeld and Jane McLean, who make each day an example of the fostering of this principle, is well deserved. Unfailingly, they recommend interesting things happening in our region, in Knox and beyond. In addition, they generously and willingly share their expertise with others.

Museums and others organizations do, indeed, organize exhibitions from within their own collections, but I can say from working within the museum field for several decades, works are often borrowed from (and loaned to) other public collections, to enrich and widen the curatorial premise.

This is, of course, if the requesting institution is able to qualify by completing a Facilities Report Form. This form insures that the institution meets the standards set for temperature/humidity controls; light levels; security; and other requirements (such as the premise of the curator), which safeguards the safety of the objects in our care and the reputation of the institution.

Happily, it is still true that a rising tide lifts all boats (in spite of the surrounding flotsam), and, as we in the field are aware, collaboration builds audiences whether in museums, symphonies, historical associations, or any publicly funded institution, It benefits everyone (and it’s fun to collaborate).

I can’t resist mentioning a collaboration in which we are currently engaged. We are organizing an exhibition, “Treasured Memories: The Altamont Fair,” curated by Keith C. Lee, from the collections of the Altamont Fair Association.

We are borrowing vintage photographs, ephemera, and artifacts for an exhibition opening in June in the Village of Altamont Archives and Museum Hallway Gallery.

An exhibition not to be missed! And just in time for Fair Fever!

Marijo Dougherty
Curator

Village of Altamont
Archives and Museum

Editor’s note: Marijo Dougherty was the director of the University Art Museum at the University at Albany from 1993 to 2003 and then interim director in 2007-08 at The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls. 

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