Letter From the Director
Fall 2002

Greetings!

As your new director of the Castellani Art Museum, I am proud to pursue the traditions and activities of this fine institution. We are in an important transition period, as we must carry on without our founder and major benefactor, Armand Castellani, who recently passed away.
I want to acknowledge the work that Kate Koperski did as the interim director last year. She and a very competent staff continued the momentum all museums must have today to stay relevant in our lives.

You will see from our fall/winter newsletter (due out in early September) that that momentum continues as we de- velop a new long range plan for the future. A group of community leaders met in late August to help determine our future direction. Under the able guidance of Robert Castellani, with his years of marketing experience, discussion groups on audience, visibility, visitor experience, and community outreach produced a wealth of ideas that will be incorporated into the new plan. We would love to hear from all of our members as well. What exhibitions, educational programs, and/or events have you enjoyed at the Castellani? Where do you think the museum should direct its attention in the coming years? How can we reach out further into the community at large? Let us hear from you, please.

Our next special exhibition, opening September 29 (through January 5, 2003) is all about Irish Step Dancing. Large-scale images of dancers will grace the walls and a beautiful selection of step dance outfits will be installed so that visitors can walk around them at eye level. We are hoping to borrow a copy of the Book of Kells, since many of the motifs of the richly ornamented outfits come from that incredible Medieval manuscript. Don't miss the opening reception: Sunday, September 29, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (members preview, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.), when the museum will be alive with traditional Irish foods, music, and dance. Come and learn a step or two!
Meanwhile, here are a few fall initiatives for your calendar:

• A new outdoor café on the patio of the museum that opened in late August in time to welcome the incoming class of students for the fall. In the winter, we will bring it indoors. Come join us for gourmet coffees and snacks.
• First Friday evenings of music, dancing, refreshments, art games, prizes, and give-aways the first Friday of every month, starting October 4. Meet some new friends in a glorious artsy setting.
• Saturday art workshops for families each and every Saturday will begin October 5.
• New hours for the museum will now include Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., which used to be reserved for appointment-only visits.

We hope to see you soon–and often–at the CAM!

Laurene Buckley, Ph.D.
Director