Editor’s note: Randy Crosby is the Chief Administrative Officer for Ovation Communities.  ​Ovation provides a full range of services for Milwaukee seniors, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation care, traditional nursing home care, community-based services for early-onset dementia, and adult day care.  In collaboration with Ovation’s Art Committee, Crosby founded and oversees the art | ovation program which gives residents, visitors, and staff the opportunity to enjoy curated, rotating art exhibitions in several galleries. Ovation has a large permanent art collection which is thoughtfully placed  throughout its campus overlooking Lake Michigan. Recently, Randy took the time to tell us why art is so important to his community.

​Randy Crosby:  I like to think of art as a bridge. A bridge to richer lives, to community, to opportunity

​This idea is reflected in Ovation Communities’ art program, art | ovation. This innovative program exhibits art from Ovation’s permanent collection, as well as loaned art from local artists and collectors. The sharing of art resonates with all Ovation stakeholders – residents, guests, employees, volunteers, donors – and inspires them to embrace life and the Ovation experience. 

​For those who live and work at Ovation, art exhibitions enrich their lives on an ongoing basis. Each new exhibition not only provides an amazing aesthetic experience, but also provides a fresh springboard for discussions and social interactions. All this creates a “buzz” that energizes the whole community.

For members of the broader community, art | ovation provides several  ways to get involved in Ovation life. One way is to loan art that one has collected or created, as shown with our current Duet exhibition of Schomer Lichtner and Ruth Grotenrath loaned by Jan Serr and John Shannon of The Warehouse and Guardian Fine Art Services, a recent poured resin sculpture exhibition by Tony Spolar of Spolar Studio, and a walking stick exhibition from the collection of Shirley Langer. 
Another way to get involved is to attend special events related to ​related to the exhibitions. We hope to resume our popular opening receptions in the post-COVID19 world.

​At Ovation Communities, art holds a place of honor.  It enriches us, inspires us, and invites us to live life to the fullest.  At Ovation, art is a bridge to good things. 
 
~Randy Crosby,  November 2020

Caring for oil paintings to ensure lasting preservation begins with the room where the work of art is hanging. Basic preventative measures to avoid poor environmental conditions include:

• Low light levels – Direct sunlight should be avoided. Excess exposure to light causes painted surfaces to lighten or darken. LED lamps are safest for illumination.
• Uniform temperature and humidity – Extreme variations in heat and humidity result in canvases and wood frames to expand and contract.  Paint is not as resilient as wood and canvas and fluctuations in heat and humidity can cause cracking throughout the layers of paint. Keeping the room temperature at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity at 50% is a good balance. Never store paintings in humid areas such as basements.
• Keep the surface clean – Don’t hang paintings over fireplaces, near candles, or in rooms where smoking is allowed.  The build up of dirt on paint’s surface creates ideal conditions for mold growth and allows moisture and pollutants to penetrate the paint’s layers. Never try to clean a painting yourself. Always consult a certified conservator about a painting in need of cleaning, especially if the surface of the paint is cracked.
• Examine for insect damage – check the back of the painting and frame for small holes in the canvas or frame and a powdery substance that resembles sawdust. If these signs are visible, carefully place the painting in a plastic bag to discourage further infestation and consult a certified conservator.
• Handle with care – improper handling is the greatest cause of permanent damage to paintings.  Vibrations, unintentional bumping, and even contact with jewelry or a belt buckle can cause condition problems. Check to be sure the path to the new destination is clear of obstacles. Never use the wire on the back to carry a painting. Wearing nitrile gloves, gently grasp the painting by the vertical sides when moving. 
• If in doubt, ask – Professional, certified conservators are the best resource for painting care questions.  Certified conservators go through stringent science training and art study to gain their specialized knowledge.  If you need help finding the right conservator for your painting, please contact Guardian for assistance.