by Thordis Simonsen Dear Friends new and old, near and far, Would you like to help light up the new Museum of Authenticity in Salida, Colorado?
As many of you know, 7 years ago I purchased a small neglected 130-year-old property in Salida, Colorado's historic district and began the long process of transforming the property into a small museum of art and culture: the Museum of Authenticity. Some of you have already visited the preview exhibit—Dances in Two Worlds—currently on display in the Museum annex that opened in 2018.
Since then, we have renovated every square foot of the main building, which will open this April with our first full-scale exhibit—Sum of the Parts—featuring engaging wood assemblage sculptures by Salida artist Bernice Strawn and including the Moroccan rug pictured above. Only one thing remains to complete the transformation of the Jessine M. Hartwell building—it was her homeopathic office and residence in the 1930s—into a vibrant museum: LIGHTING. Tracks have been installed, but we need 40 track heads and LED bulbs to illuminate the Museum's displays of art created for art's sake and utilitarian objects that are, indisputably, works of art. Even with the contractor's discount, each track head/bulb unit costs $70. That's $2800 to light up the entire exhibit space. If you would like to help light up the Museum of Authenticity by purchasing one or more track head/bulb units (or portion thereof), how wonderful! Just write a check to "Museum of Authenticity" and send to PO Box 1091, Salida CO, 81201. I will gratefully acknowledge your name on the printed program for the Museum's Grand Opening scheduled for Salida Art Walk weekend 26-28 June. For more information, please stop by the Museum, call/text 303.585.1783 and/or visit the Museum website, shop, and blog at museumofauthenticity.org. With heartfelt thanks from me—and all those who have been peering through the Museum windows, both literally and figuratively, with curiosity and anticipation! Thordis Niela Simonsen Founding Director & Curator Please note: The Museum of Authenticity is a registered LLC. Your contribution is not tax deductible.