painted plexiglass, and found objects, required dusting before it could be loaned to Western Carolina University for an exhibition focused on art and sustainability. As the Nilfisk vacuum is very different from ones used in a common household, it allowed the curatorial staff to dust the sculpture without risk of damaging the various components. The Nilfisk’s HEPA filter captured very fine particles and its variable speed control allowed the vacuum to be turned down to a very low suction level. A soft-bristled brush made from goat hair was used in conjunction with the vacuum to clean dust particles off the surface.
The Museum’s curatorial team was excited to share dusting techniques, and other collections care topics, with the general public. In a series of programs designed to teach practical skills in caring for works of art, the Museum partnered with paintings conservator David Goist to offer a program about dusting different types of objects. Goist demonstrated the new Nilfisk vacuum by dusting the back of a painting by Betty Waldo Parish entitled Provincetown Z, created circa 1965. The painting stayed on view for several weeks after the program—half clean and half dusty—to illustrate the importance of this type of housekeeping in preserving works of art.
As the Museum plans for the return of its Collection to the new facility in 2018, the curatorial team plans to dust more objects, ensuring that the Collection will be preserved for many generations to come. We send our deepest appreciation to NCPC for making this purchase possible and for helping us teach our visitors how to take good care of their most treasured objects.
David Goist demonstrating proper dusting techniques to the audience.