MassMu Garners Top State Awards

The Massillon Museum received three prestigious awards at the annual conference of the Ohio Museums Association (OMA): the Award of Achievement and two Visual Communications Awards.

The Museum earned “The Best Exhibition of 2008,” one of only two Awards of Achievement presented, for its 75th anniversary exhibition, “Eclectic.Everyday.Elegant,” which filled the Museum last summer, June 7 through September 14.

The Massillon-manufactured steam engine was on the lawn; the locally-made Jewel automobile sat in the lobby. The main first-floor gallery spotlighted permanent collection objects deemed by the staff and exhibition committee to be the best 75 pieces in the collection, which numbers more than 100,000 items. The second floor galleries were divided into spaces for a curiosity cabinet, a sports area, a timeline paralleling the history of the town and the evolution of the Massillon Museum, a Native American display, costumes, and photographs. Two of the vignettes reminded visitors of the Victorian parlor and the pioneer kitchen that were popular in the “old” building, when the Massillon Museum shared quarters with the Massillon Public Library.

Massillon Museum Executive Director Christine Shearer led the exhibition planning effort, working closely with the Museum’s curator, Alexandra Nicholis; staff members Mandy Pond and Chris Craft; Margy Vogt; and volunteer John Sparks. Andy and Keith Rock installed the exhibit.

“This is a real honor,” said Shearer. “We were selected among Museums of all sizes throughout the state in every budget category. The award reflects the quality of our collection and the expertise of the staff and volunteers who helped plan and install the exhibits.”

The 120-page soft-cover catalog that accompanied the exhibition included essays and color photographs of the Massillon Museum’s 75 most important permanent collection objects. It took the gold award (first place) in the level three ($250,000-$499,999) 2008 visual communication competition.

In addition to the leadership and written contributions of Shearer and Nicholis, sections of the book were written by Negussie Ayele, Christine Bracken, Christopher Craft, Tirzah Julius, Scot Phillips, Mandy Altimus Pond, David W. Schultz, Elaine Snively, Leora Traynor, Margy Vogt, and Kathleen Walker. Edited by Ann and Hugh Brown and designed by Margy Vogt, “Eclectic.Everyday.Elegant.” remains available in the Museum shop.

The 28-page catalog, also a full-color soft-cover publication, for the Massillon Museum’s “In the Garden” exhibition earned the level three silver visual communication award (second place). Christine Shearer was the exhibition curator and catalog author; Margy Vogt designed the catalog.

“The energetic young staff at the Massillon Museum stands out in the state of Ohio,” said Terry Potenzini, Executive Director of the Ohio Museums Association, from her Columbus office. “It’s no wonder the Massillon Museum set the standard for exhibitions and activities. They surely must be the sparkle in their community’s crown.” She praised Shearer for her enthusiasm and effectiveness as president of the OMA for the past two years.

The Ohio Museums Association Annual Awards Program honors outstanding achievement and visual communication. The 2008 Ohio Museums Association Outstanding Achievement Award winners were recognized at the Ohio Museums Association’s Annual Conference at the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, April 5 and 6, 2009. Nominations and entries from the field are considered by a distinguished panel of five judges, selected to represent the diversity of the museum community.

Media Contacts:

Christine Fowler Shearer, Massillon Museum Executive Director: 330-833-4061

Terry Potenzini, Ohio Museums Association Executive Director: 614.297.2375

Margy Vogt, Massillon Museum Public Relations Coordinator: 330-844-1525