COMMENTS FROM OUR CONSERVATION WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
Here’s what some of our workshop participants have said about their HCN experience:
“You don’t know how much fun I had (we had) taking part in this project. Andy was a knowledgeable and enthusiastic leader, and the team was just as excited to be there and do a good job. I think it shows with the end result.”
Hänsel Hernandez
Architectural conservator
Gallantly Galleting at the Abreuvoir, Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, Bronx, USA, 2008
“Through this experience, I was rewarded in the sense that I met so many learned and patient people who just seemed so happy to show their knowledge and passion in renovation and preservation. I hope to do it again next year, it’s not just an experience of work, but it’s also-and the most part of it-an experience of life, of discovering a country and its culture.”
Isabelle Ladrat
France
Gallantly Galleting at the Abreuvoir, Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, Bronx, USA, 2008
“Alma Ortolan and her assistant, Chiara Piccin were professional, well-informed and delightful. The fresco painting workshops, the conservation survey of the cloister, and the local history and food were presented in an enjoyable and highly educational manner. I loved it all and appreciate HCN for making it happen!”
Diana Barbera-Horwitz
Art conservator
Conservation Survey in the Monastery of San Giovanni Battista, Serravalle, Italy, 2007
“The very good atmosphere, the feeling our work was so appreciated, and the voluntary aspect: I am glad we helped their project. It was so inspiring to meet such dedicated, passionate people.”
Ruth Goris
Art conservator
Decorative Stucco Conservation, Oplotnica, Slovenia, 2006
“The diversity of volunteers is indicative of how far reaching the desire is to help the New Orleans community and protect the cultural resources of a great city.”
Julie Donofrio
Student, Historic Preservation & City Planning
Hurricane Katrina Clean-Up, New Orleans, 2006
“The last group that came was just as good, just as nice, just as wonderful as the other group that came. I am just so impressed with the type of people that volunteer for your organization. They are just fantastic. I am appreciative of everything you’ve done.”
Stacy Rockwood
Retired School Principal
Homeowner at Site for Two Workshops, Hurricane Katrina Clean-Up, New Orleans, 2006
“I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop; (the owners) inspired all of us to put in our best effort. They are some of New Orleans’ greatest treasures.”
Mark Lorusso
Architectural Historian/Archaeologist
Hurricane Katrina Clean-Up, New Orleans, 2006
“Working on Sam’s house was its own reward – I consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with him.”
Mimmi Mathis
Television Executive
Hurricane Katrina Clean-Up, New Orleans, 2006
“I really liked that it was hands-on and I felt I walked away with a skill I didn’t have before. Instead of just watching people do it, I was able to do it myself.”
Mary Stachowiak
Graduate Student
Francis Mill Restoration, 2005
“Jimmy (Price) was a fabulous instructor! He went beyond just the how-to. He knows the science and history behind the material.”
Kelli Gantt
Historic Preservation Specialist
Horsehair Plaster, Orange Hall, 2005
“The restoration team … was great and I have no reservations about joining this team or others on future projects.”
Tom Floechinger
Executive
Mill Preservation, North Carolina, 2004
“It was a slice of paradise to work with everyone involved with this project! It offered a wonderful and rare opportunity to work on a virtually intact mill. I’ll be back next year.”
Ken Walton
Carpenter
Mill Preservation, North Carolina, 2004
“I like the hands-on aspect and seeing the results of the work. It’s preservation in action.”
Mark Slater
National Park Service Historical Architect
Mill Preservation, North Carolina, 2004
“My experience far exceeded my best expectations.”
Mike Payne
Engineer and Preservation Grad Student
Adobe Conservation, New Mexico, 2002
“I really enjoyed my “working vacation” and … I’d definitely like to attend another workshop in the future.”
Mark Slater
Historic Architect
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Stone Conversation, New Jersey, 2003
“Workshops developed by Heritage Conservation Network provide an excellent opportunity for students to learn first hand about the issues involved in historic architecture and materials.”
New Mexico workshop participant
Adobe Conservation, New Mexico, 2002
“I had a truly fantastic time and never wanted it to end.”
Anne Hurst
English Instructor
Stone & Tile Conservation, Sicily, 2003
“Thank you so much for sending [your participant] to our Bed & Breakfast… We stopped by the Asbury Mill. The site has much potential! We look forward to following the progress.”
Diann & Steve Berry
Berry Preserve Bed & Breakfast
Stone Conservation, New Jersey, 2003
“A very educational experience. I look forward to others.”
Sicily workshop participant
Stone & Tile Conservation, Sicily, 2003
“Time spent at the sites under the tutelage of personnel assembled by HCN … provides a level of education not available in a conventional classroom.”
New Mexico workshop participant
Adobe Conservation, New Mexico, 2002
“Pat Taylor was an excellent instructor and a person who believes in his work, and is happy to show and teach others.”
Gregg Kleppinger
National Park Service
Adobe Conservation, New Mexico, 2003
“I like the hands-on aspect that enables me to use my preservation knowledge directly on a project.”
Debra Adamcik
Preservation Grad Student
Adobe Conservation, Mexico, 2003