There’s a lot of research
and time, looking for people, looking for resources. Persuasion
– explaining to owners why it’s good for them
to share, and to let me come to their houses and borrow their
collections. I always have backups, in case it does not come
through. Usually I have two years worth of exhibits in store,
ideas that I’m waiting to build up. Some of them are
already scheduled, like I have a couple of artists committed
for 2004. You have to plan ahead because we don’t have
a big budget, like bigger galleries or museums. So most of
the time, we have to count on my connections and resources
and people’s generosity – being very supportive,
they like the show idea, they think it’s good to share.
I’m able to get most of the things free of charge, but
they have to trust you.
When we were in the old exhibit area, I was working with
a Japanese bank. They had a huge national treasure collection
of ukiyo-e, woodblock prints, and they wanted to loan them
to me. But the insurance was astronomical, and the Patrons
[of the Library] couldn’t afford it. So I had to reject
it. And they said, “Don’t worry, we want your
people to see it, so just go ahead.” But I worried to
death, I couldn’t sleep! I went to the police and begged
them to come by more often and check on it. |