Mark Dion: Eccentric Collectors Like Us

Mark Dion: Eccentric Collectors Like Us Internationally renowned conceptual artist Mark Dion brings his notoriously humorous style to an interactive exhibit rooted in the Concord Museum's extraordinary historical objects. Inspired by Cummings E. Davis, the visionary and eccentric Concord resident whose curiosity laid the foundation for the Museum's collection, this exhibition explores why we collect, what we choose to save and display, and how museums transform the meaning of objects. Experience a mischievous gallery space, transformed for discovery and curiosity and explore dozens of objects that have rarely - if ever - been on view to the public, from quirky portraits and engravings to unique weathervanes and ephemera. In place of gallery labels, use a Field Guide to explore the gallery, a signature feature of Dion's installations, with contributors ranging from Dion himself, to Gregory Maguire, to Curators and Museum staff. And don't miss the unexpected opportunity to engage with Dion's hands-on installation that invites you into the work of Museum collecting. Join Curator Gallery Talks at 11 am and 2 pm on opening day with Mark Dion, Curator David Wood, and Curator and Director of Exhibitions Christie Jackson. No advanced registration required. Free with admission. Get Tickets Featured Objects Julia Featheringill Images: John Thoreau cowhide pencil box, American, early 18th century. Concord Museum Collection, Gift of Mr. Walton Ricketson and Miss Anna Ricketson; Th33. Unknown portrait of a man, unknown artist, American, 19th century. Concord Museum Collection, Gift of Cummings E. Davis; Pi905.Hourglass, unknown maker, American, late 18th century. Concord Museum Collection, Gift of Cummings E. Davis; F310.Autumn by Laurie and Whittle, London, England, 1794. Concord Museum Collection, Gift of Cummings E. Davis; Pi802.Cummings E. Davis standing in the doorway of the Concord Antiquarian Society by Alfred W. Hosmer, Concord, MA, 1890. Concord Museum Collection; Ph1169a. Trade sign for a barber or cutler, John R. Wesson, Concord, Ma, 1856. Concord Museum Collection, Gift of Cummings E. Davis; F121. Weathervane, unknown maker, American, 19th century. Concord Museum Collection, Gift of Mr. Russell H. Kettell; M321. Exhibition support includes generous gifts from Thomas and Margaret Lehr Whitford, Lindsey and Rob Parker, Kim and Wyatt Burns, Martha J. Wallace and Edward W. Kane, Wyeth Foundation for American Art, and The Boardman Family.