TIMMINS -- Once it reopens, the Timmins Museum National Exhibition Centre may look as it did before the pandemic, but director Karen Bachmann cautions that how guests enjoy it will be much different.
Starting with a maximum 20-guest capacity per the province’s pandemic protocol, she said the June 29 grand reopening will see physical distancing and sanitation measures in effect.
“We can allow four people in our shop, eight people in each of the galleries at one time,” Bachmann said. “Staff will be there to help out and just make sure that things flow smoothly.”
Working out the kinks
Operating the gift shop is one item that still needs some fine-tuning, she said.
Staff member Paul Raiche said the essentials are covered, including a Plexiglas shield surrounding the front desk. He said disinfecting materials and commonly touched surfaces will be basic practice.
“Just maintaining a really clean space,” said Raiche. “Making sure that if people are trying on clothing, that we’re steaming it right away and taking extra precautions.”
Gloves will be available for those looking to handle any materials or look through books in the shop, Bachmann said, and staff will encourage paying via debit or credit card, but will also accept cash.
Crafts camp’s virtual comeback
Summer programming will also have a different twist, Bachmann said.
The museum’s yearly kids camp will move online, she said, with craft kits participants can pick up, bring home and get creative with through the guidance of videos on the museum’s social media pages and website.
As the season progresses, Bachmann said staff will cook up more online activities to keep families busy over the summer months.
Featuring local artists
Still on hold once the museum reopens, said Bachmann, are the exhibits, events and craft shows that had to be cancelled once the pandemic hit.
While items from local artists will be on sale at the gift shop, she said, many rely on those for exposure. Two cancelled exhibitions from artists in Elliot Lake and Haileybury could be rescheduled once the museum fully adjusts to the new pandemic dynamic, she said.
“Then we will be looking at doing some different things and then helping to bring our arts community back into fold,” Bachmann said. “Because it’s been difficult not only for performing artists, but for visual artists, as well, to keep things going.”
