Summary And Evaluation

Evaluation and Summary of Practicum Projects at the Portland Art Museum The two projects identified really went hand in hand. The first project was to assess what was in the print and drawing collection regarding monographs, artist portfolios and books. This included cataloging, describing and making conservation recommendations for each item within this collection. The second project was to address specific conservation problems that arose during this analysis. This entailed the stabilization of items through performing specific repairs, re-housing or making custom enclosures for those items that needed immediate attention. The process for assessing each item entailed thorough analysis by the way of describing the item, making sure that it had an up-to-date and detailed record in the database, and seeing what, if any, conservation issues or problems where present. This took time but was identified as important for addressing access, housing and conservation issues. Until Erin and then I coming along, there had not been the time, money or staffing available to take such a close look at this particular collection. The process by which Elizabeth, Erin and I worked through the collection was very systematic but also flexible when need be. Procedures were put into place as we went along and we came up with a very effective scale system by which we used to rank conservation recommendations for items. We found this very effective and hopefully will be for the curator and registrar as well when identifying items tagged for curatorial review within the database. Elizabeth provided materials and tools for Erin and I to perform conservation work for those specific items we came across that could be taken care of immediately. Mostly this entailed interleaving with glassine or creating covers with Mylar. We also identified items for which we needed to order boxes or for which needed to be moved to

other areas. I felt that our approach to both projects was very effective. Both projects were identified by the museum as extremely important and I feel that our work done was very beneficial and appreciated by both Elizabeth and Noelle. With the completion of at least the first project of identifying, cataloging, describing and giving conservation recommendations for each item within the collection it provides a significant springboard or first step for further conservation work and analysis by the curator and registrar. Because of our work, items can be easily identified and searched within the museum’s database. Access was improved and most items are better housed and are in more stable conditions.