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After a temporary closure in March, April and May due to COVID-19 concerns, the Superstition Mountain Museum grounds is open to the public.
A limited schedule of 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday has worked for staff and volunteers, Bill Van Nimwegen, who handles communications for the museum, said.
“We had about 40 visitors a day the first week --- June 4-8 --- and a few less the following week. Since it is in the heat of summer and programming has ended for the season, attendance and store sales were comparable to this time last year,” he said.
Face masks are required when entering the store or galleries at 4087 N. Apache Trail (State Route 88), just north of Apache Junction.
“Starting July 2, the museum has been requiring masks to be worn by volunteers, staff and visitors when entering the store or galleries. Masks are recommended and encouraged at the outdoor exhibits as well as a 6-feet social distance,” he said.
Enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols have been implemented.
“In the store, plexiglass panels are in place at the cash register. There is hand sanitizer available and masks are available too for a $1 donation. Managers keep track of how many are in the store at a time and will limit to a safe level. Cashiers wipe down areas twice a shift,” Mr. Van Nimwegen said.
He has been volunteering at the museum since the March 13-15 Magic of Mata Ortiz Mexican artistry event.
“The museum closed soon after that. My efforts include helping to plan the 2020-21 season, write press releases, update the web and Facebook pages and reserve advertising for the museum,” he said.
If people only have an hour or so to visit, there are plenty of areas at the museum to see, he said.
“The galleries have been closed for renovations since last week, but the store and grounds are open. There is a number of artifacts in the barn as well as a model train and a video history of the region,” he said.
“The chapel, stamp mill and labyrinth are fun to explore as well as demonstrations at the blacksmith shop. The nature walk is open while designers work on plant-identification signage, Mr. Van Nimwegen said.
Richard Dyer has worked at Independent Newsmedia, Inc.. USA, since 1987.
Since 2009, he has worked as a volunteer to design The Blue Guitar Magazine, Blue Guitar Jr. magazine and Unstrung magazine, which are projects of The Arizona Consortium for the Arts; and since 2014, has been overseeing the art submissions.
He also is an artist of welded-steel sculptures, selling his artwork at juried and non-juried art shows