About us...

ACCI flows from the knowledge that Cree culture must be captured, maintained, shared, celebrated, and practiced. Cree Elders have spoken of the need for a central place for the protection of the way, and have developed a vision for Aanischaaukamikw over several decades.

May 6, 2014

Notes from ACCI's Spring Intern - Christine Desroches

Christine came to ACCI in April from College Montmorency where she has almost completed the Techniques de Museologie program.  Her internship is 6 weeks long and we at ACCI are happy to have her here!  We asked Christine to write about the projects that she has been working on here at ACCI.

My first project at ACCI was to do the complete documentation of 11 framed artworks. These artworks are part of a long-term loan from the CRA Board of Compensation. Some of them are already on display in the open storage area of the hallway leading to the exhibition. Doing the documentation of an object is allowing it to enter the museum world and be preserved it for generations to come.




Unpack

Each artwork was individually wrapped. It was a simple packing and undoing it was easy. While taking the artwork out, I had to look for any sign of damage.  I also had to look in the wrapping for any pieces that could have fallen off.
Condition Report
After putting down the artwork on cushioning foam, I filled in a condition report. On this report, I write and locate any damage that the object could have. There is also a small part about the object’s measurements and description. Finally, if the object has any special needs or if I have to make a recommendation for the conservator I also write that down in this report.
The condition report is really important when receiving a new object in a museum. It allows us to know all the damages from his previous life, as well as, in the long term, know if a deterioration is new or was already there. We could say that the condition report is like a medical exam that we do for every object to keep it healthy.





Photography
When we are sure that everything is fine and that it doesn’t need immediate treatment, it’s time for the photography. Museum photography is intended to show the object as close to reality as possible. In the case of framed artwork, I photograph each side of it. I also take pictures of details, like the signature, damage, or writing. With the condition report, these photos can be useful to document the object in the future and see any alteration.

Source file
The source file is like the Facebook of the object. Every detail about it is recorded in this file. From the name, to dimensions, description, how it was made, where it came from, who made it and who gave it. It’s useful for future exhibitions because the technique and the materials are written, as well as the artist. Also, if there is any special source credit, it is also noted there.  There is even a section for the history of the object!  The source file is made on a computer, which allows us to complete it with the photos previously taken.

Storage
The last step is to store the item. The storage part is essential because a museum object will spend most of its life there. For these artworks, since they are all framed, we can place them vertically on a shelf. For better preservation, I put cushioning foam at the bottom of the shelf and a core-x, which also has cushioning foam. Also, for better spotting, I made labels that I attached to the core-x with a picture of each artwork.

Guest post by Christine Desroches