I sure can agree with Michael Krumme as I think we all would like to see our donations forever on display, after all they are often are most prized pieces. However, from a museum standpoint their goal has to be to attract people and so displays have to be changed and objects rotated to keep the interest and support of the public. One also has to consider the many varied types,styles and periods that are represented in each category related to the amount of space available. On top of that is the likes and dislikes of the person curating the display. All this leads to a constant shuffling of objects and since museums usually have less than 10 % of their objects out many are seen very rarely if at all. Museums have to do this in order to survive. Fortunately many museums have their collections on data bases the can be accessed with a computer. It’s not as good as seeing it in the “flesh” so to speak, but it is the next best thing. So keep donating and share.

Speaking of donating I gave Carder’s “Head of Christ” to Christ Episcopal Church in Corning. Skip Reed is building a special case for it and it will be on display for all to see. It was only on display once in all these years and as we know this is one of the most important pieces in Carder’s history of the Steuben story. It was given in honor of both Amo and Jamie Houghton. Hopefully it should be ready by this fall. The reason I gave it to the church is that the Carders, Houghtons and Rockwells all went to this church and it is in a beautiful setting.When I first began searching for a home for the piece I was informed that the museums had enough Carder objects and didn’t need any more so I chose Christ Episcopal. I had given apiece years ago and they were extremely appreciative of the object and they were of this too. Lesson learned that there are more than museums that may be interested in your treasures. And they may appreciate them more.

Bobby Rockwell