A local museum, Art and History Museums Maitland, recently called us with an interesting project. They had committed to making the theme of their historic property representative of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” for the holiday season. They needed a material historian who specializes in the Victorian era. More specifically, they needed someone who was familiar with the period between 1844 …
Lessons from a lemon tree
From the Desk of Marilee Not long ago I cut down my lemon tree. Believe it or not, it was a big event. I had been waffling about removing the tree for nearly 18 months. It was obviously not healthy, but I held out hope for a return to its fruitful glory. I watered. I fertilized. I tended. And, I …
Hiding In Plain Sight
Traveling and exploring new places offers opportunities to take in and appreciate cultural resources. It’s funny: When you are close to something and see it every day, you lose perspective on its value. It’s the “you can’t see the forest for the trees” thing, I think. We miss the treasures that sit right under our noses. I recently visited a …
That “Other” Exhibit
Everyone who works in a museum has a favorite exhibit. You know the one. It’s that exhibit that makes you smile when you walk past it. The one you brag about on Facebook. The exhibit you protect a little more by moving back the stanchions when the school groups come through. It’s the exhibit of which you are most proud. …
No Capes Required
From the desk of Marilee Emerson, Client Navigator I snapped this picture when I was in Asheville. I had arrived on the evening of last day of Belle Chere, a local music festival. While I did not participate in the festival, I did observe a remnant of the event. Like Hansel and Gretel’s breadcrumbs, I saw several chalk-scrawled messages …
Revitalize Tired Museum Spaces in 4 Easy (and Inexpensive) Steps
In the 21st century, museum exhibit spaces that may have “just” been renovated a mere 10 years ago can suddenly feel old and tired. But, how do you combat a 21st century problem when all you’ve got to work with is a 19th century budget? Below are a few simple actions you can take to re-energize your space (or at …
Design Kick-off for Children’s Museum
AST Exhibits of Orlando, Fla., will design two new exhibit areas in the Explorer’s Gallery at the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast in Jensen Beach, Fla. “Completing the gallery opens the museum to a whole new group of guests and unlimited possibilities for fun and learning,” said Scott Metelko, President and Founder of AST Exhibits. “The new gallery elements …
Well Traveled Exhibit
A Little Inspiration from the World Rock and Roll In the museum-exhibits business, solutions are often discovered in usual places. Rock and Roll was the inspiration for how to protect one of our traveling exhibits, although the exhibit had nothing to do with music. Diverse backgrounds can lead to diverse solutions, and that’s exactly what happened when we set out …
AST Exhibits Welcomes Marilee
AST Exhibits is excited to welcome Marilee Emerson to our team. Marilee rounds out our dynamic talent with her background in education, planning and client care. Her skills as a relationship builder, facilitator and communicator make her an ideal addition to the team. As AST Exhibits’ Client Navigator, she will ensure our clients are informed and happy at every stage …
AST Exhibits Welcomes New Partner
AST Exhibits to fabricate, install custom display cases for the Wilton Manors Gallery for Stonewall National Museum & Archives July 2014- AST Exhibits of Orlando, Fla., will fabricate and install custom-designed artifact cases for Stonewall National Museum & Archives’ McNaught-Struble exhibit. “Stonewall Museum has an exciting opportunity to design the Wilton Manors Gallery space with the specific needs of its …
Ingenuity & Know-how Trump a Hostile Environment
It is hard to imagine a worse environment for a special piece of original artwork than a restaurant, where it’s exposed to pollutants, harsh light, unstable temperatures and humidity, and even curious fingers. And yet … Art must be seen to be appreciated. Sometimes, that means taking the art to where the audience is. A private collector wrestling with this …
AST Exhibits Creates Western theme for Mennello Museum
The Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando, Florida, relied on the skill of AST Exhibits when it came time to add additional interest to its galleries. Director Frank Holt wanted to add themed architectural elements to accentuate touring exhibitions that will feature the art of the American West this year. AST Exhibits designed, fabricated and installed five elements to …