Two collectors invite us to contemplate two entirely different collections in order to consider what drives the passion of collecting and the power objects have in our own lives and households.
The collection of objects – shells, pebbles, teapots and teaspoons, artifacts or art — is an activity in which humans (as well as bower birds, crows, and even insects) have engaged from time immemorial. Throughout human history, we find spectacular collections, hidden by our ancestors in sunken ships, caves, backyard gardens, and even in private documents.
Why do people keep or collect what they do collect? Is the motivation a kind of hoarding or jigsaw-like quest, the satisfaction of a hobby interest, a creative arranging and rearranging, exploring and preserving family history, or the thrill of a new discovery? Together we will seek answers to some of those questions and more, including methods of research and discovery, appraisal, and planning for the future of those chosen objects.
Join two collectors, Posey Boicourt and Bruce Purdy, on the Eastern Shore as they guide us on our quest to understand the passion to collect. Each will take you on their own fascinating journey, sharing with you two very different experiences. Posey’s story is one of exploring her own family history, inspired by a portrait of her great, great, grandmother that led her on a series of adventures, collected in her book, Blue Tulip. Bruce’s story is one of discovering a special place and a dedication to the artists who lived and worked there for generations.
The course will include two separate field trips on two separate days – one to the Boicourt residence and one to the Purdy residence (both a short trip outside Easton). Each will share with you several objects, the story behind each, and how each of their personal collections came about.
What to expect: Your course leaders hope to encourage you to reassess what you have, to continue to explore what objects have the power to move you and why, and to appreciate the range of personal collections.
IN PERSON at private homes near Easton (locations provided in reminder memos)
2 sessions | Thursdays | March 9, 16 | 5 – 6:30 pm | $25
