Unfinished: Incomplete Creations in the Huntington Historical Society’s Collection

Unfinished projects are an inextricable product of the creative process. Any craftsperson will echo this sentiment. There are myriad reasons why a piece may be left incomplete – loss of interest, lack of time, and a lack of resources, among many others. Sometimes we return to these projects, but in many cases, they will never reach completion. A number of artifacts in the Huntington Historical Society’s collection fall into this category. This may come as a surprise to many – why would a historical society choose to preserve pieces of art and craft that were never finished? These pieces, however, can provide rare insight into the creative and physical processes of crafting. These incomplete pieces are often passed over for consideration in exhibition in favor of finished works. This exhibit invites viewers to appreciate, analyze, and find value in these unfinished works.