exploring elsewhere

There is more to this building than could be explored in a lifetime. Every floor, room, nook and cranny instigates a double-take, kindles memory, and proposes possibility.
My attention continues to gravitate to two areas/exhibitions/installations in particular -- "The Museum of Natural History," and "The Historical Society." These are two areas of Elsewhere (pictured below) that have been remained relatively "as they were" when Sylvia operated the building as a series of businesses.

"The Museum of Natural History" depicts the building as it was in its last phase of business when Sylvia ran it is a general thrift store. You can see the accumulation running wild. Additionally, you get a glimpse of her systems of organization and value. Jars and bread-bags were favored sorting and display units.


"The Historical Society" is a room tucked up in the third floor of the building. It served as the office to the Gray's series of businesses over the decades. It is brimming with business documents, personal letters, newspaper clippings and catalogs.



The main floor of the museum is so full of exhibits and installations I was skeptical that I could find space to work in. Until I ventured up to the loft above the front window...



After spending some time in the loft thinking about what I could do on the two walls up there, I came to see the view out into the museum as the real point of potential. My idea was born: The Observation Deck -- a touristy Elsewhere viewing experience in the loft above the front window.
Drawings to follow ... but, for now, cleaning!


Many thanks to interns James and Molly for helping me move 5 gigantic boxes of hats and "re-curate" the suitcases and artist boxes on the long shelf.


Project sketches to follow ...