MASON CITY – The Charles H. MacNider Museum received a grant from the Chautauqua Circuit #889 Questers chapter of the Iowa Questers. The project was funded by a $5395.00 Preservation and Restoration Grant from International Questers as well as funds raised by the local chapter. This is the second time the Museum has been the recipient of a local Questers grant to restore works of art.
Two puppets from the Bil Baird Collection of marionettes used for the “Lonely Goatherd” scene from the film “The Sound of Music” will be restored at the Midwest Art Conservation Center. Characters restored will be the Goat Herder and the Female Goat. The artifacts are made of cotton and wood and have deteriorated naturally over time. The activities at the Midwest Art Conservation Center will stabilize the puppets according to Museum standards.
The Questers organization exists to research, study, and preserve antiques for the future as well as promote the field of preservation. The grant program’s focus is to preserve and care for artifacts that are important to the community in which they reside. The Quester’s chapter is dedicated to the restoration and preservation and education about historical items of interest. This significant donation allows for the education of the community and future generations of patron.
The Midwest Art Conservation Center is one of the nation’s top institutions for the restoration and conservation of artwork. As a city entity, the Museum has very limited funds available for such endeavors and relies heavily on community support and grants for such projects. Those interested in becoming a member of the area chapter of the Iowa Questers should contact Carol Tinkey at 641-423-5965.
The Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, located at 303 Second St. S.E. in Mason City, is free and open to the public. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. More information can be found at the museum’s website at www.macniderart.org.
(Pictured are Museum Director Edith Blanchard and Mary Baker, Questers Chautauqua Circuit #889 President.)
