Annual Report FY09_Layout 1 - Hill-Stead Museum

COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES
Accomplishments in FY09
New low-voltage, white halogen painting lights
were installed on 8 of the museum’s 19 major
works of art. In contrast to the old fixtures – frame
lights with incandescent bulbs installed by the first
Museum Director in 1951 – these lights allow for true
color rendition, and illuminate the entire canvas.
Collections review was completed in the period
rooms. Since the project began in January 2000,
nearly 3,300 items have been examined, described,
numbered individually, photographed and logged into
the collections database. Many interns and volunteers
spent countless hours assisting with this project.
The Sonia Osborn
Museum Studies
Internship, developed
between Hill-Stead and
Westover School, was
launched in April 2009.
In honor of Westover’s
long time art history teacher, Sonia Osborn, the internship
is intended for junior or senior AP Art History
students looking to pursue in-depth study. During
their time at the museum, each student must work
on a collections project, research a piece in Hill-
Stead's collection, and explore a subject of her
choosing that illustrates the Hill-Stead–Westover
connection.
Above: Director of Education & Curatorial Services Cynthia Cormier admires the newly visible clarity, texture and nuance in the color of Monet’s
Grainstacks, White Frost Effect (Oil, 1889) after the installation of a new state-of-the-art light fixture.
Top, Left to right: Romina Tortoriello, Westover Class of ‘07; Head of Westover Ann Pollina; former Art History teacher Sonja Osborn; Westover
trustee Marcelo Tortoriello and his wife Liliana; and current Westover Art History teacher Ali Perdue.
A Place Where Art & Nature Meet 15