search articles:     from the issue of May 3, 2007         'Torn Notebook' conservation to begin May 7 Nebraska weather has left its mark on "Torn Notebook." Starting May 7, the public sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen will undergo conservation treatment. The sculpture was installed in 1996 at the corner of 12th and Q streets, west of the Van Brunt Visitors Center. Sited in a transitional area from downtown Lincoln to the campus, the playful sculpture includes three components - a large notebook held by a spiral and two nearby torn pages, which appear to be blowing in the wind. The $70,000 conservation project will take four to six weeks to complete and will include repainting the entire sculpture as well as repairing a damaged section of the notebook spiral. Glasson Sculpture Works of New York will complete the conservation treatment. According to Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery officials, "Torn Notebook" remains in good condition structurally. However, the black and white pages have faded from exposure to sunlight and surfaces facing the sun have become chalky from exposure to ultraviolet rays. A new paint system will be used on the sculpture to help protect it from outdoor elements. Visitors and students on campus can expect to see safety barriers surrounding the sculpture site while the project is taking place. The conservation of "Torn Notebook" is part of the continuing effort the Sheldon to ensure the safekeeping of artwork in its permanent collection. The work will be paid for in part through the Robert E. Schweser and Fern Beardsley Schweser conservation fund. Six other outdoor sculptures received conservation treatment in fall and summer 2006 through a grant funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. "It is wonderful to be able to share our outstanding outdoor sculpture collection with the public at all times," said Jan Driesbach, Sheldon director. "However, since sunlight and exposure to the elements take their toll, regular maintenance is critical to assuring that important works such as 'Torn Notebook' are kept in excellent condition and can be properly appreciated. Since 'Torn Notebook' is a not only a key work in our collection, but has become an icon in our community, we are particularly eager to have it returned to pristine condition." For more information, go online to www.sheldon.unl.edu or call 472-2461. GO TO: ISSUE OF MAY 3 ARTS HEADLINES FOR MAY 3 'On the Land' features Sartore photography American Life in Poetry 'Anatomy of Charley Friedman' opens May 11 at Sheldon HEAD UP Schaffert's third novel out May 15 Sweet 16 'The Host' continues run on Mary Riepma Ross screen 'Torn Notebook' conservation to begin May 7 Woodwind Quintet, Chiara Quartet play 'Nebraska Concerts' in May 732799S37077X