LINCOLN, NEBRASKA.- The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery will be closed for renovation beginning March 3 through the end of 2002. The renovations are needed to install a vapor barrier in walls, replace damaged window walls in the great hall, and correct problems with the aging heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

"The current physical condition could place priceless art at risk of damage by variances in temperature and humidity," said Janice Driesbach, Sheldon director. Driesbach said it was originally hoped portions of the gallery could be kept open during the work, but closure will ensure the safekeeping of the Sheldon's 12,000-piece collection. "We had a conservation assessment of the collection and were highly advised to move the collection during the renovations," Driesbach said. Additionally, contractors advised the renovations would take less time and be far less costly if the building is closed during the work.

The Sheldon's collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art will be moved to climate-controlled storage off-site and employees will move to temporary space elsewhere on campus. The gallery will maintain a full schedule of exhibits until March 3. Beyond the gallery exhibits, no programs will be interrupted during the closedown. Lincoln school tours are scheduled around the closing and lecture and exhibit spaces will be utilized elsewhere on campus or in the community. Jazz in June and Family Day (also in June) are programmed for the Sheldon lawn and other activities will center on the Sheldon's extensive outdoor sculpture collection, which will remain open.

When the project is complete, it will be possible for the Sheldon to host exhibits which would not have been approved by lenders with the current climate control system. For example, Driesbach said, in spring 2003, the gallery will celebrate its 40th anniversary with some major traveling exhibitions. The building, designed by famed New York architect Philip Johnson, was dedicated May 16, 1963.