Hooray for Jeffrey Spaulding

Howdy!

I've been at this conference for a while now, and one presentation in particular reminded me of the Marx Brothers' film Animal Crackers. I was able to transcribe it for you...

(Crowd signing) The Halifax Curator

(Jeffrey Spaulding) Did someone say 'creator?'

(Crowd signing) Hooray hooray hooray!

(Jeffrey Spaulding) - Wacky Dance -

(Crowd Singing) He came from the Atlantic, where all the artists have guts.

(Jeffrey Spaulding) If I stay here I'll go nuts.

(Crowd signing) Hooray hooray hooray.

(Jeffrey Spaulding) - Wacky Dance -

(Crowd signing) He put all of his smarts, in beauty and the arts. And painted landcapes from the heart.

(Jeffrey Spaulding) Hey hey!

(A nameless female curator) He is the only painter, who covered every acre.

(Jeffrey Spaulding) I think I'll try and make her.

(Crowd signing) Hooray hooray hooray!

(Jeffrey Spaulding) - Extended Wacky Dance -

(Crowd signing) He put all of his smarts, In beauty and the arts. And painted landcapes from the heart.

(Jeffrey Spaulding) Hey hey!

(Crowd signing) Hooray for Jeffrey Spaulding, The Halifax Curator. He brought his name undying fame, And that is why we say: Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

(Jeffrey Spaulding spoken) My friends, I am highly gratified at this magnificent display of effusion. And I want you to know -

(Crowd signing) Hooray for Jeffrey Spaulding, The Halifax Curator. He brought his name undying fame, And that is why we say: Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

(Jeffrey Spaulding spoken) My friends, I am highly gratified at this magnificent display of effusion. And I want you to know -

(Crowd signing) Hooray for Jeffrey Spaulding, The Halifax Curator. He brought his name undying fame, And that is why we say: Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

(Jeffrey Spaulding spoken) My friends, I am highly gratified at this magnificent display of effusion. And I want you to know - (singing) Hooray for Jeffrey Spaulding, The Halifax Curator

(spoken) Well, somebody's gotta do it.

But in all seriousness, they made mention of how Marc Mayer, of the Musee des arts contemporain was busy and couldn't make it because of other commitments, but I was surprised that they weren't able to get one of the other curators to speak instead. And while I quite liked having the opportunity to hear Carl Johnson speak, I can't help but wonder what happened to the folk from the Glenbow museum, the Winnipeg Art Gallery or the Yukon Arts Centre.

I'm still trying to digest everything that I've heard, and also need to be back there for about 3 o'clock. So I will have more follow up later.