zee final post 5/12

This week was similar to the week we had to turn in our group projects... it seemed a little crazy. Despite starting last week and trying to pace myself, I still felt like I was doing so much every day. lol. I think I was obsessing about trying to cover every little detail about each of my objects; it starts to get a little jumbled.
I've spent about 13 hours working on the research over the past week, which includes last week's visit to the museum during cancelled-class time as well as this past Monday when Dr. C allowed me to sit in the museum with my objects Monday when it was closed [it was too quiet! I was a little creeped out]
two hours definitely goes to figuring out the Adobe-Pro thing [so many complications; so these docs better go through. lol]
But it has been a great learning experience. The structure of the class was different and challenging, which I was a little apprehensive about at first, but it all started to flow. [I wish it was twice a week though] but it has provided a better perspective on museum work, which I appreicate and hope to take further. It has also been great working with everyone in the class! I liked that it was small and we could all learn from eachother [cheesy, I know]
**Thanks Dr.Castenada!**

total time: 13 hours

lab hours 5/5

Well this has been a more eventful week in terms of lab hours. I've spent about 4 hours catching up on reading as well as object reasearch reading [hoping I could take care of two birds with one stone] Also spent additional 1 hours looking for other resources and reading people's blogs. I spent an hour in the museum yesterday with Stacey and was happy to see one visitor very interested in our exhibit, but she had to go to class
I suspect my two baskets won't give me much trouble [don't jinx it...] but have concerns about creepy-urn, which maybe Dr.C can provide some guidance on [I may be jumping the gun and overthinking it]
I would also like to try to pool resources with others who have Pomo/ NW coast baskets, if anyone is interested?
Glad we don't have seminar today, but am looking forward to getting some questions answered at the museum :)
and spending lots of time in the library...woohoo!

total time: 6 hours

lab hours 4/28

This has been another slow week. I'm anxious to start on my object-research, but I think I' m still a little confused...But once I get done with papers due this week, I will be researching sources
I spent about 45 minutes catching up on people's blogs, and reading what others had done for this week's assignment
Spent an hour on the repatriation assignment [thanks stacey for the explanation about why there werent many magazines!]
15 minutes reading through new info added to Cotton- Accession file
Unfortunately, I'm cathcing up on the reading right now for today, so an hour [so far] for that.


total: 3 hours

Repatriation

[[It appears that a lot of people have used the Spring 2010 magazine for this assignment-there were only two on the shelf and the other one didn't list specific incidences...so sorry if there are repeats :/]]

2."Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver, CO [August 29, 2008]. In 1983 a donor gave the museum a whale hairpiece made out of mountain goat-horn with abalone insets, which art dealer Michael R. Johnson indicated that he had obtained a decade earlier from Mrs. Dan Katzeek of Klukwanm, Alaska. Johnson opined that this type of whale hairpiece, intended for use with a single braid, would have been worn around the time of Captain James Cook's thrid Pacific voyage [1776-1780]."
[American Indian Art, Vol.35(78):95, Spring 2010]

7. "US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, Coulee Dam, WA (September 3, 2008). The notice pertains to 2,266 'unassociated funerary objects' retrieved from various sites within the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, which features a reservoir formed as a result of the completion of Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River in 1941. Dating to as far back as 2,500 years ago, the materials consist mainly of stone and bone utilitarian artifacts, which the government agreed should be transferred to the Confederated Tribes of Colville Reservation in Washington."
[American Indian Art, Vol.35(79):95, Spring 2010]

8."Field Museum, Chicago, IL (September 10, 2008). In 1902 the museum purchased a wooden rattle and worked walrus tusk from navy lieutenant George T. Emmons, who served in Alaska and from whom the instituion acquired a considerable amount of Native American material starting in the 1890's. The thirteen-inch-long, red-and-blue rattle represents an oyster catcher; the walrus tusk is composed of four sections, each about eleven inches in length. Collection information states that the tusk sections were 'found in an old cave on a small island in Icy Straits (southeastern Alaska) where a Shaman of the "Hoonah" tribe was laid away,' while the oyster catcher came from a grave house on Frederick Bay, 'near the village of "Gan- der-kan", of the Hoonah tribe.' The museum agreed to give both unassociated funerary objects back to the Hoonah Indian Association of ALaska."
[American Indian Art, Vol.35(79):95, Spring 2010]

lab hours 4/21

Spent about 30 minutes catching up on blogs
30 minutes deciding and searching for catalog from library
1.5 hours reading over the catalog
1.5 hour for writing the paper :)

I was hoping to take-up some of Dr.C's suggestions for getting more lab hours, but this last week was rather hectic and I was feeling a little under the weather. So hopefully I will be able to visit the exhibits and work in the museum over the next few days.
Also enjoyed the presentation last week from Dr.Roberts; it was great that he included so much history/background as to how the women's group was formed.
[Did not appreciate those people coming in the middle of our class :/ very distracting!]

lab hours 4/14

I went to the museum-opening about an hour and a half early, in hopes of being able to help with any last minute touches, but it seemed like everything had already been covered [I hope this can still count for something since I had intentions of being put to work :) ]. But this was my first time seeing it, so I took my time looking at everything before the room got crowded [it was a good turn-out!]
Worked on the assignment today for 2.5 hours; I spent way too much time on the job boards, but it was interesting and intimidating at the same time, which explains why it took me so long to choose a position to post. Definitely puts things into perspective.
I was impressed by my classmates' postings [that had been completed so far] and realized I didn't have much to say for the assignment, even though it seemed like a good excersize. But its a learning experience, which is what I also took from the Burcaw reading; that we should be prepared to start at any level to work our way up, and get out foot in the door. It was encouraging to read that, and also about filling vacancies by promoting/ hiring from within. I'm interested to hear more about this in the next couple weeks.
There's a lot of work to do before I can tackle one of those job postings in the real world. But I'm motivated and optomistic.

Time: 4 hours

museum jobs

1] N/A unfortunately, I do not yet have any experience working or volunteering in a museum. [I can only say that I've gone to a LOT of them]

2][[AAM Job Headquarters]]
Job ID: 6692918
Position Title: Curator
Company Name: Navajo Nation Zoo
Job Function: Directors/Administrators
Entry Level: No
Job Type: Full-Time
Location(s): Window Rock, Arizona, 86515, United States
Posted: April 6, 2010
Job Duration: Indefinite
Min Education: BA/BS/Undergraduate
Min Experience: 1-2 Years
Required Travel: 0-10%
Salary: $36,753.00 - $36,753.00 (Yearly Salary)

Job Description
The Navajo Nation Zoo is seeking to hire one Curator to direct operations at our unique facility. Please note that although "Curator" is the official title, this position acts as Director of the organization.

The Navajo Nation Zoo is operated by the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is funded by the Navajo tribal government. The 34 year-old facility exhibits a total of 41 species, all of which are native to the Navajo reservation. Outdoor exhibits include bears, cougars, Mexican gray wolves, bobcats, raccoons, porcupines, golden eagles, and many more. Our indoor "Discovery Center" features reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, as well as an indoor waterfall/pond, video displays, and a "kids corner." We also have a playground and are currently developing a petting area. We host over 40,000 visitors a year, including 2,000 visitors at our "ZooBoo" event and 6,000 visitors at our "ZooFest" event. The Zoo is certified by the USDA.

The Curator will direct all Zoo operations and oversee the facility and animal collection. S/he will monitor and enhance the cultural, educational, recreational and conservation programs at the facility. S/he will supervise and coordinate six full time staff members, including four zookeepers, one office specialist, and one educator. S/he will oversee the budget and seek external funds through the adopt-an-animal program, grant-writing, corporate sponsorships, etc. S/he will also be responsible for strategic and master planning, compliance with regulations and certification, working with support organizations, education and outreach, event planning, and more.

The Curator also serves as a program manager with the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife, and reports to the Department Director.

Job Requirements
Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field, plus two years experience in animal husbandry, one year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.You can learn more about the Navajo Nation Zoo at www.navajozoo.org and read news articles about the Zoo at www.mholdgate.com/news.

I chose this paricular job posting because I'm interested in working in a zoo at some point, and this job combines both loves of animals and museum work [curator]
Although I have limited knowledge about the Navajo, I appreciate the fact that according to the mission statement, this is "the only Native American zoological facility in the United States" and also the incorporation of rehbilitation/release of animals as well as use of plants/animals in traditional ceremonies.

*I have great organizaional skills, persuassive and people skills [too much time in customer service], supervision experience, and overall communication and multitasking skills
*BA in Anthropology and and some understanding of the basic info/behaviors of many of the animals featured at the zoo
*I do not have much experience with grant-writing or working with organizations, but possess good writing skills, I am a quick learner, and work well under pressure when its for the right cause, in this case, directing the organization, raising and providing funds for the well-being of the animals.

random nonsense

I was browsing through the job boards for our job-related assignment and saw one for "Director at the Sandwich Glass Museum"...
For some reason the first thing that came to mind were these rooms and cases filled with glass figurines of sandwiches. lol. I was very intrigued.
Of course, upon further investigation, Sandwich is actually a town in Massachusetts.
[Shows how much I know regarding US geography]
Stupid, I know...but I was in the moment and thought it was great...:x
Thank you for reading [now back to real work]

Lab Hours 3/30

Spent about 2 hours in museum last Wednesday, but not much else to log :/
I was hoping to come in Thursday to help with the cases, but I won't be available. Boo... But everything is looking great! The geneaology wall turned out well.
Guess I'll be seeing the final product next week

Lab Hours 3/24

Well I wish I could say that this week was as successful as last week in terms of lab hours. I spent about 45 minutes going through everyone's blogs. Thanks Nessa for organizing the feast with Alexis and SAS! Looking forward to it and also to Dr.C who had to go through all our group stuff!
But it looks like everyone did a great job.
I went to the museum after class yesterday to lend a hand, even if it meant making little puddy balls with Stacey or picking scraps off the floor. Carrie and I also worked on mounting some images onto foamcore but I think I need some more practice...
I was there for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Also spent 30 minutes on reading for today, but I think that's pretty much it. I'm hoping to help more in the museum this week/ over springbreak [if Dr.C will be there one day, but then again, she probably wouldn't mind a vacation]

Time: 3 hours

so sleepy...must..log...hours

This week has been crazy...!!
I'm very happy to say that I have completed the write-ups for my section of Group2. We did a pretty good job keeping in touch over the last week via email, which seemed a little overwhelming at times [sometimes I'd log on and there'd be 20 new emails!] But it was an effective way to communicate so we could go back through our ideas :)I'm very proud of our group. Thank ladies, we rocked it
Most of the labhours were spent sifting through smugmug [again] as well as the accession file, and also writing up the didactic panels. There was also a considerable amount of time proofing everyone's text panels and discussing ideas.
Today I went by the museum and spoke with Dr.C regarding some picture/text display questions as well as the mysterious mini-baskets...dundunDUUUN! But it ended up being an interesting story-theory and I was glad I was there to witness Dr.C's shock moment. lol.
I can't wait to see how everything gets fabricated.

Time: 9.5 hours on computer [group emails, proofing, writing, organizing]
1 hour at mueseum with Dr.C

getting the ball rolling and lab hours

Unfortunately, my blogged was hacked at some point, so I spent about 30 minutes adjusting settings, the cookies, and changing password before taking Dr.C's suggestions to take the fish tank gadget off my page :( but it worked, and seems to be working fine.
There has been much progress this week with everyone starting their portion of the exhibit. I met with my group for a total of 1.5 hours [ 15 min Wednesday, and 1 hour and 15 min this psat Monday] to discuss our ideas and splitting up the main focuses.
I spent a lot of time [3.5 hours] looking at the ethnohistoric documents [Cotton's notebook], the accession file and Dr.C's smugmug gallery, studying the Cotton labels as well as comparing them to the transition museum tags. Also caught up on readings.
Our group will be meeting again today to assemble the storyboard [but I suppose that time will count for next weeks hours]
Looking forward to seeing what the other groups' visions for their sections.
It's coming together :)

Johnson lecture and Featured Basket...meeting outside class??

It was great to hear Dr.Johnson lectre last week; who knew our awesome artifacts/museum had been treated so crappy [well by outsiders]?? It was interesting to learn the history of the collections as well as what the department has gone through to ensure their safekeeping, which some people did not respect unfortunately.
I also appreciated his good/bad stories about working in museums. I wish we'd had more time to hear more and about the Cotton Collection [which I think he was beginning to touch on as we all had to leave :(]
I was jsut reading Dr.C's blog about how we don't have the bride's cap for the feaured object part of the exhibit. It's too bad, it seemed like a good piece to use. Does this mean we'll be using the burden basket? I think it would also work well, but maybe we'll discuss this in class.
We should all try meeting outside of class, at least in our interpretive groups, to get a better understanding about our various tasks...I don't know about anyone else, but I'm a little lost. But mayeb we just need to get things flowing.

lab hours

A litle late for putting up the post for this week...
The Deed of Gift assignment turned out to be kind of fun and infromative; Marina and I started out overthinking the assignment, but Dr.C saved us a lot of time. As Marina already mentioned, we got to be creative while still getting an understanding of the Registrar's job.
Even though Dr.C assured us that we weren't supposed to put so much time into the assignment, it still made up most of my lab hours for the week.
Roughly 1.5 hours was spent meeting up with Marina at school and our communication through text/emails.
I also spent an unusual amount of time [2 hours] researching my 'hypothetical object' trying to get appropriate details and information for the backstory.
Another 1.5 hours spent catching up on everyone's blogs and this weeks readings.

Total: 5 hours

Lab hours and Creepy Urn :D

I spent about 2.5 hours yesterday going through everyone's blogs as well as Dr. Castenada's, which took a while but I feel like I have a much better understanding of the exhibit process. I also spent part of this time viewing all the images of our objects, and saving/loading the pictures of my objects onto my blog-page [which I'm very proud of myself for doing] I'm glad that the photos are so detailed and am very excited about the original tags.
Today I've spent 2 more hours attempting to load an RSS feed, and despite all the instruction we've received about it [and reading Carrie's blog] I still don't get it. I downloaded the Feedreader but am hesitant to use it due to the drawbacks Carrie mentioned. I have Yahoo as my homepage but can't figure out how to add the RSS gadget. [Going to keep trying, but just wondering if it's absolutely necessary to have?]
Also went through the accession file on SacCT, and we have a good spread of objects from various areas [it will be hard to pick just one to follow]. It was interesting to read all the letters and evaluations of the objects over time. I got all giddy when I read the notes about the ceramic urn...which has an interesting story to it.

For that reason I need to decide between BAS147 and the ceramic urn to be featured on the postcard... It would make the most sense to feature the basket so it will flow with the rest of the weaving detailed thumbnails that are featured [and it would be great to have a close-up of the red feathers]. So I've decided that this basket will be on the postcard [I believe this is the Pomo one].
I'll finish up the evening reviewing the readings for the quiz, which I guess can count toward 30 minutes of labtime?

Looking forward to class discussion/ guest speaker tomorrow

Total: 4.5 hours

reflecting on class time

I wish I had done a post last week after class because now I have too much to talk about for one post, and some of it is delayed...
I'm very happy with the title for our exhibit! Although it seemed very chaotic at the time, it was successful to intergrate various words from other title ideas.
I was also excited about the cemetary trip/ information, but as I've read on Stacy's blog, it seems difficult to access the information we need. I commented that we should make a field trip out there :) It would be a great feature of the exhibit to have a picture and information with the gravestone. On a side note, I was glad I wasn't the only one confused about the Cotton history...both father and son have the same first, middle, and last names?? Way to make things confusing...
[But I was glad to see that Carrie did a post about the geneaology! thanks!]
I think that just about covers things from last class...
Oh, and I was finally able to see two of my three items last week; I feel bad for my BAS183 because i'm in LOVE with BAS147...Although I'm jealous of Raquel's mini baskets, I must say that I got lucky with this one :)

threading of ideas..at some point they will make sense

I'm disappointed about missing the Maidu re-opening on Saturday [work got in the way, unfortunately] Of course it would have been interesting, but it would have been nice to get some ideas/ inspiration for our exhibit. But I look forward to hearing what everyone has to say about it in class.
Here are my new accession numbers which I hope to meet tomorrow during Castaneda's office hours:
*BAS0147 74-32-2-18
*BAS0183 74-32-2-43
*CER257 80-1-34 [the new addition]

I've been mulling over other people's blogs regarding the exhibit. I agree that it should incorporate NAGPRA and the Cotton collection while somehow showing our process/research as well. I liked Vanessa's titles,"Weaving Life through Native California" and think she makes a valid point about most of the museum visitors may not be familiar with NAGPRA if we were to use it in the title. Also Amanda's idea "Who Collects the Collectors?" sounded interesting.
I also like the idea that many have tossed around, about comparing tourist and authentic objects. I think this would be important to understand.
Hopefully I'll be able to do a little more research tomorrow before class.

Time: 1.5 hours

Two basket-babies and a ceramic piece

Vanessa asked me to trade an item with her today, a ceramic piece for a basket, because she was scared of it [just kidding! :)]
So I no longer have a trio of basket-babies, but two baskets and a mystery ceramic object.
I wasn't able to view any of them today during class time, but hopefully can make it to Castaneda's office hours Friday.
Glad we got to thinking about the exhibit concept today, I think it will be great to show both sides, the collection and our tasks intertwined; now we just need to flesh it out. The naming of it seems to be a daunting task, but we'll see how things go next class.

Hats off to the Registrars

Finishing up the assigned reading for today.
When we originally read the job description of the registrar in the first couple pages of the book, it seemed like an overwhelming job. But after reading the "Documentation" chapter, it brings all the responsibilities into a new light. It makes me wonder how large of a staff work for the registrar in organizing and keeping track of everything associated with a single object.
Talk about organization skills.
[[I appreciate the book for being straightforward and very detailed [down to the folders that can be used for the documents] but it is heavily-informative and thankfully, well organized.]]

We received the accession numbers of the objects we will be responsible for over the course of the semester:

*BAS0183 74-32-2-43 [30]
*BAS0147 74-32-2-18 [14]
*BAS0150 74-32-2-22 [17]

I am excitd to "meet" and to work with them :)

Time: 2.5 hours

taking a break

Just spent last two hours customizing and blog-rolling [is that a verb...?]
I'm not sure if I'd say it's "finished", but for now it will do. Spanish hw calls.
More update, customizing, and reflections on reading later.

Time spent: roughly 2 hours trying to figure this out

I'm an awkward blogger!

I admit that I'm still a little apprehensive about blogging. But I'm judging it too soon. Still trying to get used to it, but should come naturally once there are hard-core lab hours to be logged, right?? :)