6. Marnie #2
We start to discuss a rough timeline for the project, including our check-ins, deadlines, and the unveiling date before moving into contents for the exhibit.
When I ask her about artifacts, her face lights up. “I put out requests a few weeks ago in the local papers for things like photos, props, memorabilia, or anything of that sort from the time it was filmed here. I also asked family and friends who I know have direct ties to the movie for any help.”
Josie leans to the side and opens a lower drawer in her desk. The sound of her fingers flipping through thick file folders fills the room, and then she pulls out a blue folder and slides it across to me.
“What’s this?”
“People have already begun sending in requests for their memorabilia to be featured in the exhibit. I’ve started compiling them into a document with the contact sheet that lists the items they have. The full catalog is waiting for you in your office.”
“Where can I store these items ahead of installation?”
“There is a ton of extra space in the archives. Part of our renovation and expansion was to improve the storage capacity and reinforce the foundation to prevent any moisture from affecting the artifacts since we are now located so close to the water.”
I hum a response, still reading through the list of what everyone is offering to have featured in the exhibit. When I finish skimming the last page, I flip it shut and tuck it away into my bag. “Anything else?”
She takes a breath, sitting up straighter. “This exhibit is a big deal, Marnie.”
That’s the understatement of the year. From everything she’s told me so far, I know this exhibit is important to the island, but it’s also important to me and my career.
I don’t speak, waiting for her to continue.
“Yes, the exhibit is based on Jaws, but the focus should be on the story of the island and the impact this movie has had on it. All the local shops and restaurants featured in the movie, even the ones in the background, have photos from filming on display. There’s a popular restaurant themed entirely around sharks with a giant replica shark head from the movie for photos.
Hell, even the youth sports teams’ mascots are the Sharks.
The story is there, if you know where to look for it.
It’s important to understand it to correctly portray it. ”
She has an overwhelming sense of pride that tugs on my heartstrings.
I wasn’t expecting this assignment to have such a personal connection to her.
She has a clear vision for this exhibit, and I want to ensure I bring it to life.
This is the exact challenge I’ve been waiting for to incorporate my love of storytelling and I’m going to do it justice.
My excitement over the prospect of curating such an exhibit quickly morphs into uneasiness as the true gravity of this project and what an undertaking this will be hits me.
I want to do well for personal satisfaction and fulfillment, but my shot at the promotion also hinges on its success.
And to top it off, I have not only Josie, but an entire island, expecting a world-class exhibition.
“So, um, any recommendations on where to start?”
“As a matter of fact,” her voice grows faint as she swivels around in her chair, grabbing a stack of paper from her back desk.
“I made you this guide to Martha’s Vineyard.
Places to visit, restaurant recommendations, festivals and events happening throughout the summer.
Everything you need to survive summer on the Vineyard. ”
She hands me the multipage packet, and I immediately begin reading through it. I’m impressed by the detail, time, and effort that went into creating this. I certainly feel very welcomed.
“Oh, one last question. How do you build your exhibit displays here? Do you reuse pieces of old ones, or do you start fresh each time?” I ask.
“We’ve partnered with a local contracting company for our last several exhibits.
They can build anything you want. I’ve scheduled a meeting with them next week after I approve your project proposal.
That way you can get to know the contractor, since you’ll be working so closely with them this summer to build your exhibit. ”
My exhibit.
I mull over the words in my head. I’ve never been the lead planner on an exhibit before. Everything I worked on previously was under Irene and required her approval at each step. I’m honored that Josie has this much faith in me already without even knowing me.
“Alright, well that should give you plenty to do. Take the week to become acquainted with the island and look through that list and see all the items you have to work with. Come up with a proposal for the exhibit layout and story, and we will go over everything next Monday.”
I nod, and she hands me a key and directs me to my office near the middle of the hall. “Find me if you need anything.”
Dropping my bag on the desk, I see the full catalog under the monitor, as promised, and skim through it.
Buzzing with inspiration, I make my way outside to the smaller back building and into the main showroom where Josie said the exhibit would be housed. The room is bright, with natural light filtering in from the skylights above, reflecting up off the shiny hardwood flooring.
There’s no one inside, but the room is in various stages of transitioning the current exhibit out.
I carefully step around the assortment of boxes and containers scattered in bunches on the floor.
The back corner furthest from the door offers a quiet nook away from the activity throughout the building.
I kneel down and lean against the wall, careful not to slide against the paint as I do so, and pull out a fresh pad of paper, eager to begin my project proposal.