Fitchburg Hosts the Longsjo, Exhibit System

Hi, MaryEllen & folks,

I stopped by the park after class today to check out existing Structures that might serve as art supports. Several possibilities noted.

The stone (actually cement) wall by the river varies in height, to About 4'at maximum. It could serve as a display surface, but only at eye Level for tykes. Adults might have to look down or get down to have a closer look, maybe that matters. The other thing about the wall is, there are no openings in it (I had sort of expected an old-style concrete wall with openings, but my memory was wrong). So there'd be nothing to lash pegboard panels to with cord, that idea's out. However, I *do* believe that lightweight unframed photos (simply matted and hinged to foamcoare backing and sleeved or shrinkwrapped as per Ginny's suggestion) could be perfectly well mounted to this wall using adhesive putty. This can be made very wind-resistant. I see no easy way to mount *framed* pix on the wall though. And I doubt that framed pix could be made wind-resistant anyway - you'd never get them to hang straight for long.

Another possible art support at the park is the green steel fence Flanking the bridge to the flagpole. This is uniformly about 3' high. It would be quite feasible to lash pegboard panels to this with cord. Matted photos could be mounted on the pegboard, with hooks if framed, or putty if not. This too could be made quite wind-resistant if mounting putty were used (though I doubt so if frames were hung by hooks). Again, this is not at eye level for most people, a possible drawback or maybe not.

A third possibility is the wire fence along the tracks. There's even a stretch of this close to the cement walkway, over near Gamache's. It's uniformly about 6' high so stuff could be put at eye level. Recommended method would be pegboard lashed to fence with cord, then matted photos mounted to pegboard with putty (though again they could also be framed and hung with hooks, if someone feels really strongly about framing).

Each of these options provides more than enough space to mount an exhibit of the size we contemplate. In fact, there's no fundamental reason they could not all be used. We plan to tell several parallel stories, these do not necessarily need to be in the same place. (Though that's a curatorial decision, not my domain, I'm just advising on possibilities.)

One or more of these existing structures would be my recommendation at this point, for this event. (If I were to pick my own favorite, it would probably be the green steel fence, both because it's closest to - literally OVER - the river, but also because it LEADS INTO the park. The art will draw people TO the park, where they'll then be sucked into the vortex of other activities. Conversely, if other things are the main draw for some people, at least they'll have to PASS the art to get there.) [Hopefully the bridge would be declared a pedestrian walkway for the fair and parking banned there except for setup.]

The Saima panels remain an option, and they would be excellent for an indoor venue, but I have serious reservations about them outdoors. There are too many liabilities, uncertainties, and factors beyond our control.

If we use one of the fences, we may have to budget a small investment (in round figures I'd estimate from memory about $60-$70, though this is not verified with actual current prices) in pegboard and cord. If we use the wall, even that will not be needed. Adhesive putty will probably cost $10-$15 tops. Any small pickup, and even many large cars, could accomodate 2'x4' pegboard panels, so logistics is also made easier.

Respectfully submitted, Bill Mixon