To the editor:
A warm thank you to community members for your support of the Cazenovia Public Library for our newest permanent exhibit WonderCabinet (wunderkammer) and current gallery showcase, Assembling Wonder. It was so exciting to see the enthusiastic response to the opening of the exhibition last Tuesday, May 31.
The idea behind WonderCabinet and Assembling Wonder was the brainchild of former library board member Patti Christakos. Patti has lent her creative and artistic talents to a number of library exhibitions. Her contributions as researcher, writer, editor, photographer and consultant are boundless. In conjunction with the WonderCabinet exhibit, the Christakos family has generously donated a series of beautifully illustrated books that recount the history of “cabinets of curiosities” and their evolution into the modern museum.
Special thanks must also be given to Jonathan Holstein, whose expertise was invaluable in bringing the exhibit to fruition. Jon was enthusiastic and supportive throughout the project and was instrumental in sourcing several of the new artifacts located in the cabinet. His extensive curatorial experience lent itself to the formation of a cohesive and comprehensive assemblage. Additionally, his contacts in the art world were critical to the processes of creating stands and framing objects for display.
Our library, museum and art gallery are very special indeed, but it is the people who graciously donate their time and talents who make it extraordinary. We were so fortunate to have several local artists eager to participate in this exciting new phase of the museum, sharing their talents and creativity with the community.
Funding for WonderCabinet (wunderkammer) was generously provided by the Friends of Cazenovia Public Library; the Friends are in turn funded by generous donations from the community and the support of their annual book sale.
Pat Hill and Julia Shotzberger, Museum Educators
Cazenovia Public Library
