Former Vancouver Art Gallery librarian Cheryl Siegel was very helpful to me when I was researching Vancouver art and literature of the 60s, 70s and 80s, particularly written correspondence between VAG curators and artists. For those with historical imaginations who want to know why Jeff Wall did not participate in the VAG's 1983 re-opening Vancouver Art & Artists exhibition at the gallery's new location (the former Provincial Courthouse), book an appointment and ask to see his and Scott Watson's letters.
Cheryl is also the force behind what she calls a "seasonal tree" (above) made entirely of surplus books pulled for recycling. Before every Chanukah, Cheryl would set up the tree on a piece of red cloth on the reading table to the left of her desk (her left). I watched once as some potential donors were being toured through the gallery. When they saw the tree they fell silent and gathered to sit with it. I looked over at Cheryl, head down, working away. Just the faintest trace of a smile.
All the best to you and your family over the holidays, Cheryl!
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