ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, June 22, 1996 TAG: 9606240019
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-7 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: PULASKI
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
Before the Artrain could stop in Pulaski for this weekend's Depot Days Festival, Jeannette R. Hilgert had to pave the way.
As tour manager for "America's museum in motion," Hilgert precedes the Artrain to handle lodging for its staff (for this trip, at the Dublin Comfort Inn), providing an orientation for local volunteers who will help, coordinating plans with local Artrain sponsors, and taking care of other advance needs.
"I'll meet with community organizers, like Barry and Keith here," she said, referring to Pulaski Economic Development Director Barry Matherly and assistant Keith Stafford.
She oversees a run-through setup before the train actually opens to the public, and prepares for guided tours for school children on opening day. The Artrain often provides youngsters with their first museum experience, she said.
"We clean up the mess each day. With children, it can be quite sizeable. With adults, no big deal," she said.
"I'm part of a staff of seven people who go around the United States and, this year, we are targeting 30 different communities throughout the Southeastern United States," she said.
The Artrain has been touring the nation for the past 26 years, and Hilgert had been a volunteer with it before she became its tour manager 21/2 years ago. "I firmly believed in what they're doing," she said.
What they're doing is bringing artwork to areas that lack access to museum programs of this sort. The exhibits change every few years.
The current exhibit, "Art in Celebration," is from the Smithsonian Associates Collection and focuses on major events of American history. It will provide an introduction to printmaking, a look at "modern" art defined as art from the past 50 years, and provide insights into the creative process, Hilgert said.
Admission is free, although donations are accepted. Hours for the Artrain in Pulaski will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Local artists also will be working on the Artrain caboose, which also serves as an office for the Artrain staff.
The four rail cars date from 1924 to 1950 and have their own histories, of interest to railroad buffs. Pulaski has a number of those, as evidenced by this third annual Depot Days Festival centering around the town's restored depot building.
Most of the Artrain staff members are out of Michigan, where the Artrain has its headquarters, and drive to the various Artrain stops. However, one staffer must always ride the train to its next destination.
"We call him the one lucky staff member," Hilgert joked. "They switch."
The Artrain's only other stop in Virginia this year will be in Manassas, but it has visited more than 500 communities since it started. The visits are a learning experience for the staff, too, Hilbert said.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to get immersed in local culture and local history," she said. "There's always something new to learn."
The Artrain tours from March to November.
LENGTH: Medium: 61 linesby CNB