Chico Museum to Showcase Prints from the Janet Turner Collection

April 12, 2007

California State University, Chico and the Far West Heritage Association are pleased to announce that the Janet Turner Print Museum will be showcased at the Chico Museum throughout the 2007-2008 academic year.

Sarah Blackstone, dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts at the University, is delighted with this opportunity. “This is a collection of over 3,000 prints spanning six centuries and over 40 countries that has been tucked away on the second floor of Laxson Auditorium. I am not sure that people in Chico understand how extensive the collection is and how lucky we are to have this kind of resource in our community. Having this time in the Chico Museum will make it even more accessible to our community.”

Natalie Birk, the director of the Far West Heritage Association (FWHA), feels that the timing is perfect. "We have just completed our master plan for our two properties, the Chico Museum and Patrick Ranch, and we will begin an implementation phase that includes an expanded permanent exhibition at the Chico Museum.”

The FWHA has embarked on an ambitious program of growth, including the purchase of an office and storage facility that will support a collection program as well as preservation of artifacts. As Bruce Norlie, president of the FWHA says, “This will enable the association to truly fulfill our mission as a museum and develop a permanent exhibit that will capture why residents are so passionate about Chico.”

The Board of Directors for both programs agree this is a win-win for FWHA, the University, and especially the community and its visitors. Turner Board President JoAnn Morgan was especially pleased. "This kind of collaboration between people in the arts and cultural institutions in Chico is one of the best things about living in this town. I look forward to meeting all the supporters of the Chico Museum as we provide several exhibitions for next year."