at the Hallie Ford Museum opened last night to a loyal crowd. The collection was first donated to the University by Mark and Jan Sponenburgh in 1990. It’s first showing was in the old Ford Gallery in 1991, designed and executed by then art historian Germaine Fuller. The collection and the care of it formed the germ of an idea for a university museum in Roger Hull’s head in the early 1990s. In 1995 Hull took a sabbatical trip (with his administrative assistant–me) to look at small university museums in the north east. By 1998 the current Hallie Ford Museum opened it’s doors, the result of excellent donors, lots of conceptual work and a willing institution. The original Sponenburgh collection installation was designed by Tommy Griffin of Presentation Design Group. By 2008, after ten years, it was time to redesign and reconfigure the collection. Over a decade many new donors had added objects and art works to the collection, and it was time to retire a few things from view. In a sensational new arrangement of the space with new cabinetry and installations, the Sponenburgh collection looks fresh and interesting. Part of the new installation, designed by the museum’s own David Andersen, is saturated colors so I’m going to put the pictures in very small so you can just sense the colors as they change from room to room. Come take a look!! 700 State Street, Salem. Now open Sunday from 1 to 5 and free on Tuesdays.
On The Way 
Very, very handsome. My instanteous first thought was of Whistler’s Peacock Room.
The colors are brave, perfect, beautiful. Looks like they really set off and compliment the pieces wonderfully. Wish we could pop in for a glimpse.