Volume 6, Number 1, Jan. 1984, p.1

Letter from WAAC President

Happy New Year to all WAAC members. Hopefully you have survived the holiday season and I hope that it was your best ever.

For those of you who attended the 1983 annual meeting at the Oakland Museum, I am sure you appreciated the excellent effort that made it a success. Many thanks are in order to Caroline Black who assumed the responsibility of secretary/treasurer halfway through the year and was instrumental in helping things to run smoothly. Anita Noennig, president of BAACG, was responsible for the enjoyable Saturday tours and for the nice reception at the Store Front Museum. This year's suppliers were rounded up and organized by Stephen Shapiro. However, the entire meeting would not have happened if it had not been for the extra effort and long hours Judith Rieniets contributed.

About 110 people attended the three day October conference. The opening session on Thursday centered around conservation problems with contemporary artwork. Delicate decisions and treatments were reported concerning paintings, sculpture, murals and other objects. The afternoon session focused on the application of microcomputers and software for the conservation laboratory. This session was greatly enhanced by the suppliers' displays which gave participants the opportunity for some hands-on fun. A prime rib banquet closed the day's activities.

Presentations on pigment analysis, textile conservation and phasechangers in microclimates made the Friday morning session most informative. The afternoon session concentrated on adhesives and consolidants primarily as they apply to wood. That evening we enjoyed ourselves at an opening for the exhibition "On And Off The Wall" at the Oakland Museum. The artists' methods and materials gave most of us something to think about. Saturday's schedule was full for those who took advantage of the tours of conservation facilities or visited historical sites. In all, the conference was a great opportunity for WAAC members to exchange professional information and to renew acquaintances.

One of the most important announcements at the business meeting concerned this year's incorporation of our association. While our exact definition as a corporation has not been fully defined, we have opened the door for greater opportunities in the future to run the organization more efficiently and to insure a consistent professional image. Concerns have been expressed in the past about losing a personal relaxed atmosphere, but I do not feel that this quality will be jeopardized as we make administrative adjustments.

Therefore it is my sincere hope that 1984 will be a profitable and successful year for all of you and that within the Western Association for Art Conservation we will continue the tradition of interesting, friendly meetings and continued professional exchange. All my best.

Sincerely,