The versatility of FCMoD’s exhibit technician position often led me to work on numerous projects that were only tangentially related to the exhibits themselves. The job’s emphasis on maintenance and construction meant that other departments collaborated with me if they needed something built. Listed below are several of the miscellaneous projects I participated in on when I was not directly working on exhibits.
Lockbox
I designed this lockbox to contain remotes and materials for various electronic exhibits in the museum. I built it out of MDF and painted it black so it would not stand out to guests after I installed it on the gallery floor.
Tables
I built this comment table for guests to leave feedback during the run of Pterosaurs. It is only about three feet high, and contains a circular recess on the top to store pencils in. A notebook was tied onto the main platform for comments. The table itself sat at the exit doors of the exhibit.
Though not technically intended to compliment any existing exhibits, I also cut down some of the cafe’s large wooden tables into smaller units. The new tables required wood stains and finishes that were consistent with the original versions.
Music Garage Marquee
This marquee sign was built for the museum’s music department as a way to notify guests of upcoming attractions. A volunteer built the sign’s MDF frame and I added the paint, metal framework, lighting, plastic sheeting and the marquee letter-holders. Although the sign is not very heavy, it’s bulk complicated my efforts to hang it. After taking several methodical measurements, I mounted the marquee on a secure cleat. The structure can be turned on or off using a remote linked to a sensor inside the unit.
Covered Wagon
The museum’s education department asked me to build them the body of a covered wagon for their pioneer programs. They wanted to use it to simulate how pioneers used wagons for storage. I build four collapsible wooden walls that hooked together to make a sturdy 4′ x 8′ frame. I then used flexible PVC tubing to hold up the wagon’s canvas top. The entire construction was heavily sanded down to prevent accidental injury to the children who used it.
Fundraising Gala
FCMoD’s 2016 fundraiser gala was one of my first projects after becoming the exhibits technician. I mainly helped construct some decorative archways that fit into the gala’s overall theme. I cut the arches themselves out of plywood and painted them white. Working with the exhibits manager and several other employees, I helped attach lights and legs to the arches and stationed them throughout the museum.
