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Kari AtkinsonSpring InternshipJanuary-March 2012

15th Ward: Memories of a Syracuse Neighborhood Transformed

During this internship I was given the opportunity to fully design and install an

entire exhibition. This exhibition, 15th Ward: Memories of a Syracuse Neighborhood

Transformed, is one I helped install at the Warehouse the semester prior in Practicum I and

it has been seen in multiple venues since its creation. I was challenged to take this exhibit

and renovate it, giving patrons a reason to come view it again.

The first step in this process was to design the exhibitions floor plan. Initially, I did

not have access to the images and I knew that I wanted to frame them so the initial

planning was solely for the floor plan; image layout was not addressed until later. I worked

on Google Sketch-Up using the Erie Canal Museum's special exhibition space I had created

on Sketch-Up. I produced four different layouts1 and then Dan Ward, Curator, and I

discussed the pro and cons of each design. Eventually we chose a layout that suited our

needs, one that had to fit within the designated space and accommodate nearly three dozen

photographs. The design also had to be set up so that a symposium could be held in the

space and comfortably accommodate a medium to large group of people. The fourth design

shown below was chosen, though it was necessary to slightly modify it during the

installation of the walls. This on-the-fly redesign was due to the materials on hand and the

lack of proper angles to complete the original design.

1 See Images 1-4

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The next step was to decide which images would be used in the exhibit. After a

meeting with Bradley Hudson, the original curator of the exhibit, I decided that only the

black and white images would be used. This decision was due to the time it would take to

frame all of the images and the space available for the exhibition. Also, the images that were

in color were more current and they did not fit in with the overall theme or story that I

wanted to tell. Thus, it was concluded that we would be able to leave them out of this

exhibit without marring the exhibit as a whole.

After this meeting I began the framing process. Each image already had a package

(image, mat, backing, and acrylic), thus it was only necessary to cut frame pieces to frame

each image. This however, took a very long time even with assistance from another

graduate student. The first step was to inventory the framing supplies and measure each

package to create a list of needed frame sizes. Of course very few of the packages were of a

standard size and it was necessary to cut nearly every single frame piece. We were able to

find a few sets of frame pieces that were usable but in the end it took about 15 hours total

to cut every frame piece. Bradley had to show me how to cut the pieces twice, the first few

attempts were unsuccessful, but eventually I became quiet proficient cutting metal frame

pieces with a chop saw.

After the pieces were cut each image, all thirty-eight of them, were framed.2 It was at

this time that I realized that a few of the acrylic pieces need to be re-cut as well. Bradley

again was very helpful, cutting each new piece for me so that I could continue to frame

uninhibited. Once all of the images were framed and cleaned I transported the images to

the Erie Canal Museum to await hanging.

2 See Images 5

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Once I had all of framed images I began designing the image layout. First, I grouped

the images within previously specified groups depending upon which piece of the "story"

they told. Then I arranged them to fit within the space, using a 60 inch center as a reference

line. In most cases there was not room to simply place the images side by side, thus I had to

place groupings of images. For each image within the grouping I had to take into account

the image's size, orientation, and content. It took a few hours of arranging and rearranging

the images but finally I was able to come up with a layout that fit the space limitations and

told the story I wanted to portray.3 Once, the design was completed each image was given a

number, beginning at one for the first image after the title graphic and progressing

chronologically around the room in a clockwise manner. This number was place in the

lower right corner of each label with the purpose of giving individuals an easy way to

reference a particular image. This was because we, Dan and I, had decided to include a

journal for patrons to comment, add information, or just share memories.

Once the design was set installation began. Myself and some graduate students from

the Practicum II class finished the basic installation within a day and the next day I finalized

the lighting, checked the leveling on all of the images, and hung the first set of "finished"

labels. All of the images were hung on the Walker hanging system from the temporary

panels that had already been erected. Wash lighting was used to illuminate each section of

the wall uniformly though, the text walls required twice as many lighting fixtures due to

their color to ensure this uniformity.4

3 See Images 6

4 See Images 7

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After finishing the layout design and in conjunction with installation I began

working on labels. I decided not to use a standard white label because I wanted color to

provide uniformity throughout the exhibit.5 Next, I had to research many of the images to

provide adequate and accurate information. Of course, mistakes were made so corrections

had to be completed, twice, prior to the opening. After a few setbacks the labels were

completed and hung. In some instances finding an area to hang the label was difficult. For

instance some of the images were not separated enough for the label to fit between them

properly or, more often, the Walker hanging system interfered with the placement of the

label. After a little brainstorming Dan and I were able to come up with a solution, involving

Velcro, which, in my opinion, worked out well.

After the labels were completed I moved on to the show and title graphic design.

Dan okayed the images and I had them printed in the plot lab at the Warehouse. Then we

both mounted them to foam-board, trimmed them down to the proper shape and size, and

hung them so that they appeared to float upon the wall. Next, the text panels were created,

mounted, trimmed, and hung with the help of another graduate student in the same

manner. 6 The text panels were the final element installed however, the editing to the labels

took a two more days to complete properly. Then the room was cleaned and prepared for

the opening reception, which was the first reception held within the exhibit.

I attended the members' and graduate students' reception which was held close to

the closing of the exhibit but just prior to the symposium scheduled to be hosted within

that space. The members' and graduate students' reception was a success and as I

5 See Images 8

6 See Images 9-10

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understand it the symposium was also successful. There was food, punch, a few informal

speeches, and a lot of good conversation. Overall, I enjoyed myself and the other attendees

appeared to enjoy their selves as well.

In the end this was a wonderful learning experience. Coordinating with multiple

parties, organizing every aspect of the exhibit, and scheduling to include as many people as

possible was an interesting undertaking in organization and multi-tasking. While I have

had experience with the organization of individuals and tasks in the military this was still

an adventure in educational pursuits on my part. I learned more than I can possibly put

into words. Just the design experience itself was something entirely unique to me at the

time. A couple of weeks after I completed the design for the exhibit I was required to

complete a similar project for Practicum II, however at the time it was an entirely new

experience. I have a much greater understanding and appreciation of the amount of work

that goes into even the smallest of exhibits. I also realize that like most aspects of life there

really is no possible way to plan for everything. In the end you plan the best you can and

then you fix any issues that you encounter along the way. I found that as long as I managed

my time well and I did not panic I could work through anything. It also did not hurt to have

the support system I had, namely Dan, Bradley, and the rest of the Museum Studies

program.

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Images

Image 1-4:

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Image 5:

Image 6:

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Image 7:

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Image 8:

Image 9-10: