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What happened to Please and Thank you? Can we blame children and teenagers for their behavior or do we blame the parents? I created this blog to have some open and honest conversations about manners and civility. I am fortunate to have a career that allows me interactions with all types of people and I happen to live in the best city in the world! So follow my blog and see what I experience, and learn some of the important life skills I teach my students young and old. To find out more about me visit my site at www.swannoir.net

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Museum Protocol



April 1, 2009 I attended a reception at the Studio Museum of Harlem. The reception was an opportunity for members to see the new spring collection. The Studio Museum of Harlem is located at 144 W. 125th Street in Manhattan. The museum's mission is:
“The Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for black artists locally, nationally, and internationally, and for work that has been inspired by black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.”



There was an eclectic group of artists,students, supporters, and members like myself. So, is there certain protocol that museum visitors should follow? The answer is *yes* Take note of the following and share it with a friend or date the next time you are visiting a museum.

  • Don't Touch- You will most likely see a small sign posted to the left, right, below, or above the painting or piece of art work that states~ DON'T TOUCH~ and yes, it could possibly be in CAPS. We all know what CAPS mean right? If not, please see my post from (3-8-09). Please adhere to this sign, no matter how tempting it is to touch some of the beautiful pieces of art work on display at museums. There are a few good reasons for not touching. One reason is our fingers and palms have natural oils and they can over time wear down and change the look of a painting or sculpture. Respect the work of the artist and please don't touch.
  • Stand Back- Unless you are the *only* person in the museum, step back and admire art work from a distance. Be careful not to block anyone else's view.
  • Don't Lecture- Your visit should be a peaceful and pleasant experience. A museum is not a lecture hall or a pulpit. If you happen to know everything about Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso well keep it to yourself. Share it with your friends at dinner, or over coffee after your museum visit.
  • Avoid Chatter- Nobody wants to know what you are doing after you leave the museum, or what your plans are for summer vacation in the South of France. Keep chatter to a minimum and save it for the walk or ride home.
  • "That's Art?, I could have done that."- Admire, appreciate, or not. Definitely keep your opinions to yourself. If you don't like it.. move on.

http://www.studiomuseum.org/

Bon Chance!




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