"According to a 2004 survey by the Kentucky Association of Museums, Kentucky is home to more than 430 museums across the state. Recently, Lexington has taken a closer look at some of our own museums and their need for additional space, significant renovations and funding; yet, as we measure for success, one issue has been overlooked. These institutions are, by their very nature as 501(c)3 entities, dependent on us, the public — you, me, our children, our parents and grandparents, students, teachers and businesses.
In the museum world, this issue is hotly debated as many professionals bristle at the notion of being market-driven, rather than inwardly driven by the quality of their collections. However, if you examine closely the mission statements of museums large and small, service to the public is integral, and some measure of reciprocity is critical to success. Take for example the following:
The University of Kentucky Art Museum promotes the understanding and appreciation of art to enhance the quality of life for the people of Kentucky through collecting, exhibiting, preserving and interpreting outstanding works of visual art from all cultures.
The Lexington History Museum engages all people in the discovery and interpretation of the history of Lexington and the Bluegrass.
The purposes of the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation are to preserve Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, as a national historic landmark and educational center for the cultural and social history of the 19th century, and specifically to interpret the life and times of Henry Clay, the Clay family and other residents of Ashland, for the public.
Sixteen students in the museum studies class at the University of Kentucky have, via a series of community exercises, learned a good deal about how museums connect to their communities and the process by which they gain public trust. They have witnessed first hand that for many of the nonprofits in Central Kentucky, that relationship has been slow to form or difficult to maintain and grow.
For a relatively young organization like the Lexington History Museum, which opened in the former Fayette County Courthouse in 2003, establishing this relationship might simply be a matter of time. As this small staff works to connect to the public and secure a place of authority in our community, they need our help. According to director Ed Houlihan, "The students from the museum studies course have not only provided us with needed curatorial assistance, they offer a unique perspective on how we can connect to our public — specifically, to the youth of the Bluegrass."
For other institutions like Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, which opened to the public in 1950, maintaining the public's interest is the challenge. According to Ann Hagan-Michel, director of the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation, "The public is a fundamental part of our institution; we service multiple audiences, including the interstate traveler and vacationers, but our biggest challenge is keeping the local community involved, particularly our corporate citizens. There is a common misconception within the public realm that our institution is funded by the city or the state, and this is not the case."
These University of Kentucky students have also been working with Exhibits USA, the national museum service division of Mid-America Arts Alliance, to promote the traveling exhibition of works by John Tuska. They have witnessed first-hand the primordial soup from which a museum may form. As a means to preserve his father's legacy, Seth Tuska has come to understand the importance that the public plays in this mission and the need to gain their trust. As of this month, he has established The Tuska Foundation and Learning Center and charged this entity with the following:
To share the life, work and vision of Tuska, the artist and teacher.
To establish a governing board of directors as the Friends of Tuska.
To establish a not-for-profit foundation, 501(c)3.
To establish a permanent museum as a tribute to Tuska, and to house the effects and portion of the permanent Tuska collection gifted from the Tuska estate.
To establish and maintain the museum in the home of John and Miriam Tuska, "The Breakers," at 147 Old Park Ave. in Lexington.
To provide a learning center to increase art education and awareness of other artist/educators.
To establish archived papers and documents, preserving the life and work of artist/educators.
To provide outreach opportunities to educate on the life, work and vision of Tuska and artist/educators.
To provide gallery space for temporary shows for artist/educators.
To provide working studio space for visiting artist/educators.
To provide the teaching of the process and technique of bronze casting in the working commercial, for-profit Tuska Art Foundry.
To provide vocation and workshop outreach to teach the bronze casting process.
To provide scholarships and honorariums for artist/educators' work and research.
According to Jim Clark, president and CEO of LexArts, "Seth Tuska's plans to establish a nonprofit make infinite sense; the house on Old Park Avenue as a museum is a great idea. We have discussed the possibilities of dedicating a portion of the exhibition space to a permanent exhibit on John Tuska, while also creating space to exhibit the work of other noted artist/educators. In this way, the Tuska Museum has a unique potential to connect to this community and that would be a fitting tribute to Tuska's legacy."
So, at the risk of sounding like your teacher, RAISE YOUR HAND if you have:
1. never stepped foot inside the new home for the Lexington History Museum;
2. only done a drive-by to show off our "little jewel" at Ashland;
3. already formed an opinion about the Tuska project based on the more visible commercial ventures of Tuska Studios, LLC; or
4. didn't know that a national traveling exhibition of works by an American artist and educator who lived and worked in Lexington for over 30 years will be announced this spring.
Without the public's continual involvement and feedback, these vital nonprofit entities cannot form, grow or change, and they certainly cannot succeed in earning a good grade.
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