Written by Curator Emeritus Bob Glotzhober
We have posted a few blogs over the past several months about how natural history collections can be useful, valuable and important in different peoples lives. I'm sure we have not fully exhausted the reasons, but let me briefly share this one.
Last summer we got a request from Matthew Flegle, who teaches sculpture at the Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD). He wanted permission to enter the Conway Mastodon exhibit and take measurements of the skull and tusks for a project he had in mind. It would take a couple hours of curators' time, but after all, a museum curator's role is to preserve the collections, educate the public, and serve the public in any reasonable fashion. So Matthew came, we got ladders set up and assisted him with his measurements. All was smooth and professional and our involvement was completed.
This week I got an e-mail from Matthew. In part, he said: "I wanted to let you know that I followed through with the project (with some creative license) and have three new works on view at the Weston Art Gallery in Cincinnati until December 1st. I've attached a photo to this message. Thank you once again for allowing me such close access. It was an invaluable resource."
