MUSA - UPRM Outdoor Sculpture Preservation Assessment

FAIN: PG-287770-22

University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez (Mayaguez, PR 00680-6475)
Pedro Fortunato Velazquez (Project Director: January 2022 to present)

A conservation assessment of 14 outdoor sculptures by local and regional artists including José Buscaglia, Julio Plaza, María Matos, Rafael Ferrer, and Carmen Inés Blondet, located across the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez campus.

MUSA-UPRM requests $10,000 to support a conservation assessment of 14 outdoor sculptures spread over the campus gardens. Among the strengths and active assets of the UPRM permanent collection is a unique sculpture garden, including 17 sculptures/installations throughout the campus. Funding will support bringing Rosa Lowinger Associates (RLA) to campus to record the condition of these sculptures. The assessment will provide a detailed condition report for each work, approximate costs for treatment, as well as a priority list that will be incorporated into the Museum’s preservation plan. To raise public awareness about preventive care and conservation, the grant will also support a talk to the community that focuses on the practice of conservation and its interdisciplinary academic approach. After conducting the assessment and obtaining a second grant for treatment and restoration MUSA-UPRM will be able to create a self-guided tour through the campus using a GPS web-based application.