Once again the Arden Craft Shop Museum was well represented at the Small Museum Association (SMA) conference! Our previous curator, Kelsey Ransick, worked on the conference committee along with Robin MacDonald, former curator and current board member of the ACSM. Our current curator, Liz Jones-Minsinger, was there with Museum and Archives Committee members Sadie Somerville and Barbara Macklem. While there, we met other small museum staff members and volunteers and learned about their collections, programming, and events.

This year's conference was held February 17-19 in College Park, Maryland, where the theme was Catch Me if You Can: Museum Leadership Flying into the 21st Century. Representatives of small museums from across the country came together to examine leadership in small museums and what it means for leadership to be rooted in and reflect values such as advocacy, inclusivity, and equity.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Suse Anderson, professor in the Museum Studies Program at the George Washington University and host of the podcast, Museopunks. She recorded her address as a podcast episode, engaging in conversation with Dr. Kasey Grier, Director of the Museum Studies Program at the University of Delaware, and Danielle Gabriel, doctoral student in Human and Organizational Learning at George Washington University.

The Monday night banquet attendees were encouraged to don aviation-themed costumes inspired by Amelia Earhart and other early aviators with the promise of a prize for the best costume. Barbara and Sadie went dressed at vintage-style flight attendants!

--Sadie Somerville
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Naaman's Creek in the snow, mid-20th century. ACSM02417.

We have just begun researching our records for more information about these signs, particularly who made them and how often and when they were replaced.  We are hoping, however, that the collective memory of the villages will be help guide us in our search for information. Please stop by the Museum to update us with more details or send an email to ardencraftshopmuseum@gmail.com.  We hope to display all three signs later this spring when we have more information.

The Museum is open Sunday afternoons from 1-3 & Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9.

​--Barbara Macklem

The Arden Craft Shop Museum will be closed on Wednesday, December 26th. We will reopen at our normal hours on Sunday, December 30.

​Since its beginning in 1948, ACRA has offered a mix of artistic, intellectual, and physical activities for residents, especially through its summer program. It also puts on many events throughout the year, including holiday parties, Fourth of July Games on the Green, and pancake breakfasts in the woods. ACRA continues to draw on the talents of community residents to provide inspiring programs and enriching experiences.

The exhibition continues through October 2019.

Post by Sadie Somerville and Liz Jones-Minsinger. Photographs by Sadie Somerville.

The Arden Craft Shop Museum will be closed on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 to observe the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen at 1pm on Sunday, November 25th. 

The Arden Craft Shop Museum will close on Sunday, October 7, so we can install our new exhibition, "They Gave Us Good Leave to Wander: Celebrating 70 Years of ACRA." The museum will re-open on Sunday, October 21, at 1pm for the opening of the new exhibition. We hope you will join us then!

​It was a friendly, relaxed affair for all ages to enjoy. All you had to do was bring food, a donation for the band, and a playful attitude! Thanks to Jeff for the brilliant idea and pulling it all together. 

​--Sadie Somerville
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‘Grass on the Green: a Pickin’ Picnic

Sunday, July 15th from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM –ish.

Location: Arden Green.

All the Ardens are welcome hither for a family-friendly, covered dish picnic on The Arden Green followed by two sets of Americana, folk, & bluegrass music at The Field Theater. Music will be provided by the award-winning, quintessential Colorado front-range bluegrass band, FY5. Come and enjoy fun, food, fellowship, and foot-stompin’ music with your neighbors on the beautiful Arden Green. The Arden Craft Shop Museum proudly co-sponsors this event with Jeff Martin.

This event is free to all; however, donations will be collected to support the band. The recommended minimum donation is $10.00 per person. The band will receive 100% of all donations.

Due to the capacity of The Field Theater, “reservations” are required for the music portion of the evening. You may also RSVP to the Arden Craft Shop Museum by email (ardencraftshopmuseum@gmail.com) or via our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Arden-Craft-Shop-Museum-104328559601614/​). 

Please be prepared to walk to and from this event. Parking on The Green is not permitted. “Carpooling” or “Shuttling” your belongings to and from The Green, dropping-off, then parking elsewhere and walking back to The Green may be worthwhile.

The Fun: Bring your frisbee, your bocce balls, your croquet set, or the lawn game of your choice. Games, and perhaps volleyball, start about 4:00 PM with food following as folks bring their dishes and the buffet tables get set up.

The Food: We ask that everyone prepare and bring a covered dish, serving utensils and beverage (other than water). Also bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on to eat. Plates, cups, napkins, and eating utensils will be provided, along with water.

The Music: The concert will feature the preeminent, quintessential Colorado bluegrass band, FY5. Music will begin by 6:30 PM and should be done by about 8:30-ish. Donations will be collected to support the band, and 100% of donations go to the band.

Colorado’s FY5 proudly swim in the deep currents of American music, playing new songs, well informed of country and bluegrass traditions, but not bound to them. Featuring thoughtful arrangements, strong singing and musicianship, the band strives to connect to listeners with stories of common struggles and big ideas. While their sound evokes timelessness, it is decidedly contemporary, well-traveled 21st century sensibility that informs their songwriting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em14lufFHXs

Bring your dancin’ shoes and join our neighbors for a fun, foot-stompin’ evening. Can’t wait to see y’all there!

*This is a SHINE ONLY event. In the event of rain, snow, or tornado, ‘Grass on the Green will be cancelled.
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The Arden Craft Shop Museum will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, to observe the holiday. We will be open again on Sunday, July 8, from 1pm to 3pm.