Adopt an Artwork Program
The conservation of items held in the Union College Permanent Collection is an ever-present concern and part of the ongoing, professional care of the Collection. Therefore, we are very excited to share a new initiative, which the Permanent Collection is undertaking in collaboration with College Relations. We have developed the Adopt an Artwork Program as a way for our supporters to participate in the stewardship of the College’s unique cultural treasures.
CLICK HERE for a list of artworks available for “adoption.”
As part of the “adoption process,” you will receive the following:
- Credit as the adoptive sponsor(s) within our documentation database
and on any wall labels to accompany the display of your selected artwork(s) - Recognition on our departmental website
- A short dossier on the work you have chosen
How to become an Adoptive Sponsor:
Step-by-Step Process:
Below is an artwork before conservation:
Armin Carl Hansen (American, 1886-1957), Estuary, ca. 1950, oil on board, gift of Dr. David Falk (Class of ‘39) © Armin Carl Hansen
1. Contact Sarah Mottalini, Collections Manager/Registrar of the Permanent Collection, at (518) 388-6318 or mottalis@union.edu to discuss what artwork or object you would like to sponsor from selected items. Options include Olivier Models, as well as the tranquil seascape with tall ships (seen to the right), by Armin Carl Hansen, among others.
2. Determine how you would like to be credited: anonymously, your name(s), or in honor of someone.
3. Send your payment with “AAWP/ Perm Coll” indicated on your check to:
Permanent Collection at Union College
807 Union Street
Schnectady, NY 12308
4. A formal acknowledgment of your tax-deductible contribution will be mailed to you for your records.
5. We will then send your dossier packet which includes:
• database record with relevant background information on the selected item
• image of the artwork in its current “before” state (color or b/w depending on what is available)
6. When the work is complete, you will be sent the following:
• treatment report of conservation performed
• an “after treatment” photograph of your cleaned, adopted artwork
7. If you would like to contribute funds to the general programming for the Permanent Collection and Exhibitions, please contact Sarah Mottalini.
The image below shows the varnish being removed from the painting as it is cleaned during conservation. This treatment is made possible through the Adopt an Artwork Program by a donation from Lawrence Festa, Union College Class of 1989.
* Please note, conservation costs can vary; therefore, multiple people can sponsor a single artwork and all will be acknowledged accordingly.
** Conservation is a time-consuming process; therefore, it may take up to one year from the time of full sponsorship for the work to be competed.