The installation of a new art storage system at Dakota Discovery Museum in Mitchell could mean less damage to paintings as they are rotated from the gallery to storage.
The $87,500 project began this week at the museum, with the majority of the funding coming from a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
"Without their assistance, we wouldn't be able to do this," said Holmberg.
Expected to take two days, the project will involve the installation of 10, 21-feet-long, vinyl-coated, wire-mesh racks. Museum officials will be able to hang works not on display on the racks.
Four cabinet units also will be installed for specific pieces that can be safely stored flat, such as oil and acrylic paintings, as well as drawings and photos.
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Funding will also allow the museum to assess the museum's collection, update records and make repairs. New hanging hardware security cables will also be installed.
The system is a vast improvement from current storage methods, said Lori Holmberg, museum director, in which paintings have traditionally been stored "like a deck of cards."
"Basically, they're kind of stored in bins and interweaved with foam board material," Holmberg said. "You've got to flip through them all to find the ones you're looking for and, unfortunately, that has over time led to some damage, cracked glass (and) scratched frames."
The museum is home to 225 pieces, including 35 original works by Oscar Howe and 50 by Charles Hargens Jr.
Howe, born on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation, is considered by many to be one of South Dakota's cultural icons. Hargens spent his early years in Hot Springs, where he often returned throughout his life.
Holmberg said at least three of Hargens' works have received damage from current storage methods, and she's confident the new system will drastically reduce the amount of damage inflicted on artistic works during rotation.
