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Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) houses a diverse and vibrant collection, representing only 3% of its entire treasury. The collection, stored in a temperature-controlled facility on Lehigh's Mountaintop Campus, is a testament to the university's commitment to art and culture.
At the helm of LUAG is William Crow, a professor of practice in art, architecture and design, and a recently selected J. Paul Getty Museum guest scholar. He oversees the management of the collection, which includes works by renowned artists such as Keith Haring and Andy Warhol.
The Haring box, a testament to the American artist and activist known for his graffiti-inspired art, is one of the many treasures housed in the LUAG storage facility. Another notable piece is a pre-Columbian jug, depicting a sea lion deity wearing a polka dot poncho, dating back to 600 to 900 CE.
The storage facility, compared to a restaurant's "back of house" by collections assistant Lanie Yaswinski, is where all the magic happens. Entire rooms are dedicated to storing paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. Floor-to-ceiling flat file cabinets hold photographs, such as the box of Andy Warhol Polaroids donated by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.
A database is used to locate items in the storage facility by room, shelf number, and box number. This meticulous organisation is crucial, as a registrar processes incoming donations and acquisitions, managing legal paperwork for insurance and compliance with museum policies.
The importance of building a diverse and vibrant collection that includes artists who have been historically excluded is emphasised by Mark Wonsidler, curator of exhibitions and collections. This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the works considered by LUAG's committee for diversifying and revitalising its collection, such as those by Titus Kaphar, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and Liza Lou in 2021.
Direct encounter with original works of art is an invaluable opportunity for Lehigh students, according to William Crow. Consuelo Zapata '25, one of William Crow's students, finds the passion, care, and love for preserving art in the LUAG storage facility beautiful. As part of the Intro to Museums and Museum Professions class, students visit the storage area, gaining a unique insight into the world of art conservation.
The LUAG storage facility is kept at a constant temperature of 68 degrees and humidity no higher than 45% to ensure the preservation of these priceless pieces. This careful conservation is a labour of love for all involved, a love that continues to grow as the collection expands and evolves.
