FAQ - How can I create an exhibit?
By: D. Power
Creating and showing an exhibit about a collection is reasonably easy. Let's break the process into 5 steps:
Step One: Pick a subject. What do you collect? What will hold your interest? Can you tell a story about the artifacts?
Step Two: Plan your exhibit. Remember an exhibit is a story. Start with an introduction; develop the plot; draw a conclusion. A plan and sketch of the exhibit will help organize your material.
Step Three: Organize your material to follow your plan. Find appropriate materials for the display.
Step Four: Develop the display. Design the layout and mount the artifacts. Include appropriate narative and labels that have been prepared using a wordprocessor. Make it look professional.
Remember you need to conserve and protect the artifacts in the exhibit. That means using quality materials. Paper should be made of cotton rag fiber that is properly bleached and washed, is adequately buffered to remain neutral, and is free of impurities (especially for exhibits of paper money, stamps, cards, covers).
Step Five: Display the exhibit at a local or regional collecting convention or show. Check hobby publications and web sites for locations and dates.
see Klug, J., "Have lasting fun: how to create an exhibit and enter it into a show," Linns.com
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