PACIN (Packing Arthandling Crating Information Network) is continually
working to extend it’s network and to share information between museum and commercial entities. Public Programs have always been a key function of PACIN – we strive to educate, involve and create networking opportunities between colleagues of similar interest within the museum profession.

A double session for the 2011 AAM Meeting in Houston, “Materials 101 Basics: Display, Storage and Packing”, is being developed by a group of leading conservators with special expertise in the fields of Display, Storage & Packing. The session is being designed to provide the most up-to-date information and to provide practical approaches for each of these 3 focus areas.

The session is being designed in 2 parts: first half lecture by the 3 or 4 presenters; second
half being dedicated to hands on demonstrations. These demonstrations will be carried out at
separate locations by the individual presenters. Most materials will be available in modest samples
so attendees can take a piece away with them. There are current discussions about re-designing
the program into a full day off-site workshop, which could develop broader demonstration capabilities and actual technical examples.

In addition to developing the above session / workshop, PACIN is also creating a material sample swatch book, which will be available for sale in the near future. Ashley McGrew, PACIN Publications Chair,and others have been working on creating this material swatch book
over the past two years. The first volume is dedicated to sheeting or film materials with descriptive
information of material makeup and technical usage. Samples of the new book will be available for inspection with order forms at the 2010 PACIN AAM Expo Hall Booth in Los Angeles.

Hope to see you in LA.

Brent Powell
PACIN Chair