From the Publisher – May 2021
Welcome to Art New England’s annual Museums Issue. About a year ago at this time we had to stop work mid-issue and shut down due to the pandemic. One minute we’re discussing content, planning events, reaching out to directors and curators and then, well, nothing. When we first returned to our old office a few months later, the May/June 2020 production schedule and section layouts were still taped to the wall. I’m very grateful to be writing my letter to you all, one year later, and want to start with another thank you to the Art New England staff, our writers, advertisers, and our subscribers.
In this issue, we took inspiration from a few story ideas from last year, reached out to the directors and curators again, only this time from a contemplative perspective. Not only is ANE back, museums are back. While some continue to open incrementally, many are throwing open their doors this spring—for good, this time. There have been many changes to museums during the past 12 months, from indoor/outdoor renovations to staff enhancements to major program overhauls. Momentum is building. It’s going to be a very exciting spring—and the pace will continue through the summer and into what will undoubtedly be an astounding fall for exhibits and programming.
Yet, for now, let’s be happy where we are. Inside the issue you’ll hear 10 directors and curators share their Musings in this moment; learn of recent acquisitions in Susan Rand Brown’s excellent round up; get up to speed on the W.A.G.E. Project from Jack Curtis; hear from NEMA director Dan Yaeger on the museum scene, in general; meet Cape Ann Museum director Oliver Barker, on the eve of the Museum’s new CAM Green opening in June; celebrate a rebranding of one of the most important cultural venues in northern Vermont by Cynthia Close; understand the changing scene amongst BIPOC independent curators in a powerful piece by Jennifer Mancuso; and simply bask in the sheer
delight of spring in New England.
I’d also like to welcome back Art New England’s Destination section. It started out small and yet over the past few weeks exploded into a wonderful 11-page tour of the region thanks to the pen of the patient and unflappable Laura Holland. New Englanders are traveling again. And while we encourage you to do so, please stay safe and follow all protocols as described by your destinations and the CDC.
We turn to the summer issue next—with a look at allowing more fun back into our lives and how art is a perfect vehicle for exploring joy. Let’s savor a happy spring first by returning to our favorite museums—and making a plan to visit, say, three that you’ve never really explored. That’s my challenge to you, Dear Reader. Get thee to a museum!
Enjoy the issue,
Tim Montgomery
Publisher
