Betsy, I understood "whittling a life down" many years ago when I collected all the important things of my life into a medium sized cigar box. They were all small things. Since then I continued collecting small things and have arrived at gifting over 105 collections of collections as a permanent exhibit at Chicago Children's Museum on Navy Pier and then transforming my condo into "Michael's Museum: Evanston Campus Condo Collections" which contains many thousnds of small pieces more. I think I have decided that if I had to whittle down again, I would just leave EVERYTHING behind. And at 80 years old, that is saying a lot. If you want to see photos of some of the collections, visit me at http://www.horvich.com . Fondly, Michael
Wow, how did you get folks interested? I have a beautiful vintage quilt collection and am thinking of donating some of them. diannemoritz@aol.com. Please contact me if you'd like.
Diane, That is the difficult part, getting people interested. I would suggest you approach places that already feature vintage quilts. Have photos of course. Another way is to get some “notariety” by having your collection appear in a newspaper or magazine. Finally, if you can offer to pay for installation and display, the museum might be willing you have your collection with you as a partner. Best wishes. Fondly, Michael
How unique it is, and what a wonderful story behind it. I've been doing the same thing with our "stuff" - it's amazing how little we actually need, and how much time it frees up not to always be cleaning, organizing, and worrying about things.
I am in need of a voice of reason when it comes to accumulating things. I usually blow hot or cold and have known to give away heirlooms recklessly and then keep every "cool"-looking container.
Betsy, I understood "whittling a life down" many years ago when I collected all the important things of my life into a medium sized cigar box. They were all small things. Since then I continued collecting small things and have arrived at gifting over 105 collections of collections as a permanent exhibit at Chicago Children's Museum on Navy Pier and then transforming my condo into "Michael's Museum: Evanston Campus Condo Collections" which contains many thousnds of small pieces more. I think I have decided that if I had to whittle down again, I would just leave EVERYTHING behind. And at 80 years old, that is saying a lot. If you want to see photos of some of the collections, visit me at http://www.horvich.com . Fondly, Michael
Wow, how did you get folks interested? I have a beautiful vintage quilt collection and am thinking of donating some of them. diannemoritz@aol.com. Please contact me if you'd like.
Diane, That is the difficult part, getting people interested. I would suggest you approach places that already feature vintage quilts. Have photos of course. Another way is to get some “notariety” by having your collection appear in a newspaper or magazine. Finally, if you can offer to pay for installation and display, the museum might be willing you have your collection with you as a partner. Best wishes. Fondly, Michael
This is a lovely piece - and highlights so well that sometimes the idiosyncratic object is the most imaginative! Thanks for sharing.
How unique it is, and what a wonderful story behind it. I've been doing the same thing with our "stuff" - it's amazing how little we actually need, and how much time it frees up not to always be cleaning, organizing, and worrying about things.
I am in need of a voice of reason when it comes to accumulating things. I usually blow hot or cold and have known to give away heirlooms recklessly and then keep every "cool"-looking container.
I liked your essay very much and the lamp is darling. A kind gesture and memory of your father.
Thanks so much!
Love this essay!
Oh how lovely.