Showing the Green Love

More art. Less paper. That’s what our Green Membership program is all about. And in honor of Earth Day, we are offering our $50 Green membership for just $35!

Yes, it’s still a year-long membership. You still receive all the fabulous benefits. But from now until next Tuesday, April 27, you can purchase this membership for $35. That’s how much we love you. And you have returned that love in spades! MF Green members now make up the single largest segment of our entire membership.

Two years ago MF Jeffrey and I created this program by brainstorming the type of museum membership that would appeal to, well, us. We asked ourselves, “What kind of membership program would we want?” And the answer was this: one that was quick, easy, affordable, and entirely paperless.

This means that, as a Green member, you choose to forgo ALL printed materials. Seriously. We will never mail you anything. Ever. This also means that all of your $50 (or $35 if you take the plunge in the next six days) goes directly toward supporting the museum.

Please consider joining the Mattress Factory at this level today. In doing so, you will be supporting the first museum in the United States to offer a 100% paperless membership. And you can feel good for supporting art and the environment at the same time. What more could you want?

Here are all the benefits you receive:

- No paper mail. Ever.
- FREE museum admission for one year
- FREE admission to exhibition openings
- Complimentary one-time admission for two guests
- Electronic invitations to exhibition openings and special events
- Bi-monthly email newsletters
- 10% discount in the BoxSpring Café
- 10% discount in the MF Shop – includes online purchases
- Discounted tickets to the Annual Urban Garden Party

Your employer might also match your gift to the Mattress Factory with an equal corporate contribution. Check with your human resources office, or you can contact me, Lindsay, at lindsay [at] mattress [dot] org or 412-231-3169 and I’ll ask for you.

Happy Earth Day!

POSTED BY LINDSAY Read All Posts by Lindsay

Pittsburgh Green Bridge Project

The Pittsburgh-Green-Bridge Project is a collaboration among students at CAPA High School and the University of Pittsburgh; the Mattress Factory; artists Constance Merriman, JoAnna Commandaros, Karen Page, Heather White and David Pohl; and residents of Pittsburgh’s urban community and Greenspaces. Under the guidance of artists and with the resources of the Mattress Factory, young people are creating individual and collaborative works of public art that bridge and connect Greenspaces with Brownfield or industrial sites, providing corridors of movement and interaction among people plants and animals.

Working within the structure of high school and college art classes, as well as the Mattress Factory’s teen program, a group of 15 high school students under CAPA teacher Karen Page have been matched with 15 Pitt students in JoAnna Commandaros Eco Art class. This interdisciplinary project includes study, observation, documentation, discussion, implementation and celebration.

The project is providing an opportunity for budding artists in Pittsburgh by encouraging the creation of effective and environmentally-sensitive artwork. The collaboration has been centered around Japanese Knotweed, an invasive species not native to Pittsburgh that is currently impacting Schenley Park. The groups teamed with restoration ecologists to clear a pathway and collect the knotweed. An installation reflecting the experiences of the artists, students and the community will open here at the museum this Saturday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  The piece will also be on view December 13th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

POSTED BY ANNA Read All Posts by Anna

Do-It-Yourself QR Codes: A 4-Step Guide

Approximately one year ago, the Mattress Factory began experimenting with QR (or Quick Response) codes and this past April the museum became the first in the United States to utilize the technology on-site as a visitor engagement tool. More on that HERE. Our use of QR Codes in the galleries has been getting some attention (1,2), and I've fielded numerous inquiries from artists and arts organizations wishing to utilize this technology in their practice or operations.

One can only presume that, as 2D barcode technology continues to evolve and becomes more accessible to more people, more artists and arts orgs will want to utilize it. And on the heels of that interest comes people and companies that will attempt to capitalize from providing clients with an essentially open (read: FREE) technology. So, in an attempt to save our fellow artists a boat-load of money, we decided to publish a step-by-step guide for those who wish to experiment with QR code technology. No consulting firm needed. Please keep in mind that this is only how we here at the MF implemented the codes. If you think there are better ways, or workarounds, please share in the comments to the post.

STEP 1: Upload Killer Content (IMPORTANT!!)
Give people or visitors a reason to open the codes. The codes we place throughout the galleries contain link to mobile browser optimized (JI - 9/15/09) rich multi-media content that provides context or backstory to the artworks we exhibit. We upload video files to YouTube, behind-the-scenes still images to Flickr, and informative text-based PDF files, all of which are supported by QR code technology accessible via most mobile platforms (JI - 9/15/09). Universal codes that access a stagnant website may prove to be less interesting to your audience.

STEP 2: Generate the Codes
Once you have developed the content you wish to share with your audience, it's time to make the codes. We use a very simple web generator provided by Kaywa. This generator is nice because it provides output & resolution options. If you're creating a print piece, you can select the extra large file output which optimizes quite nicely for signage.

Because the density of information contained within a code can effect its readability, we shorten all URLs with http://bit.ly. This may seem like a frivolous extra step, but it greatly impacts the ease with which our codes are read. Below are two codes that open the same URL. The URL embedded in the less dense code on the right has been shortened making this code easier and more consistently read.



STEP 3: Place or Hang Codes In Desired Locations
Once we generate our codes, we design the signage and collateral materials that will hold them. Codes can be displayed and read in hardcopy or electronic (screen) format. The only obstacle we've experienced has been customizing the size of the codes. Ideally, we'd like the codes to be smaller (i.e. 3/4" x 3/4"), but the smallest we've been able to go with consistent readability has been 1.5" x 1.5". As QR technology and hardware progresses, I anticipate the ability to reduce code sizes will emerge in the near future.


Mattress Factory gallery card containing a QR code.

STEP 4: Introduce the QR Codes to Users in a Non-Intimidating Way
Let's face it. The unknown scares people. And new technology has a way of intimidating potential users. We knew going into this that it was imperative to present the codes to visitors through technology they were already familiar with. We started by hanging several "This is a QR Code" signs in the museum lobby and elevator. These signs contain a short description about what the codes are.

We knew visitors would have more questions about the codes that would be impossible to answer through signage, so we created a simple text message (SMS) info relay. Through TextMarks, an inexpensive and easy SMS shortcode provider, visitors who send the keyword QRCODE to TextMarks' shortcode receive an immediate reply containing two links. The first link directs the user's mobile phone browser to a site that detects what type of phone they're using, provides more information, and a FREE download of the appropriate code reading application.

The 2nd link directs iPhone users to App Store, where they can download the most current FREE version of the BeeTagg Multicode Reader. There are numerous barcode reading applications available on most mobile platforms, but we recommend BeeTagg because of it's universality across the spectrum. In fact, factory-installed readers are now common on many phones including Nokia devices and the G1 Android. This SMS information relay has proved to be a vital piece to our QR code puzzle and has served those visitors curious about the technology greatly.

QR CODE WRAP-UP
So this is what worked for us. I'm interested to hear if other organizations find this information useful and beneficial. For further reading about QR codes in a museum setting, check out how the Powerhouse Museum in Australia has been using them. If you have further questions or a tip that might help others to implement innovative use of QR codes, feel free to leave a comment. If you'd like to hit me up off-line, shoot over an email or track me down on Twitter.

POSTED BY JEFFREY Read All Posts by Jeffrey

Useless at the MF

Regular readers of the MF blog know the museum tries hard to maintain environmentally responsible organizational procedures. From our use of QR Codes in the galleries and facility-wide CFL lighting to the retro-fitting of our properties and GREEN membership program, we strive to make sure what we do has the least amount of impact to the environment as possible. And now I'm happy to announce we're extending that mission into our product selection in the MF shop.

Many of the new green items in the shop come from Useless, an organization that focuses on using less and giving more in order to maintain a better planet. The organization is based around the reuse of materials to create chic, eco-friendly products. Think about all the useless things that we buy everyday, and then consider putting your money to a good cause like Useless. 10% of their profits fund clean water and sanitation projects around the world. You can see the exact project your money is going to by visiting their website: www.useless.org. All of their products are made in the USA and are created from recycled and sustainable materials. The MF Shop offers their BPA-free, recyclable water bottles, organic cotton tshirts, in both men's and women's sizes, and billboard tote bags.



And for a short time only, you can add a MF Green Membership to any Useless Merchandise (or any other Green product) purchase for only $40! (A $10.00 discount) So think about the Mattress Factory in your own mission to "go green," and become a Green Member today!

POSTED BY ERIN Read All Posts by Erin

We did it! We're sweaty, but we did it!

Regular readers of the MF Blog will know that April was officially declared the month of highlighting the Green efforts of the Mattress Factory. But because the Greening of the museum is an ongoing project, the Development Department (located on the third - and highest - floor of the MF administrative building) decided to partake in an energy usage experiment. We were curious about our potential impact–on both usage and the monthly financials–if we went the entire month of May without using heat or, more noticeably, air conditioning. Remember now how heat rises?

So from May 1st through May 31st, all heating and air conditioning remained off. Kudos to Jeffrey, Emily, Claudia, Colleen and Shannon for sweatin' through May with me.

Not only did we shave a wee bit from our carbon footprint, we were able to save a few bucks. Not a bad deal, really. What we weren't prepared for was the extreme humidity toward the end of the month. We survived two straight days of 88 degrees and nearly 100% humidity in the office. The dozens of windows offer an abundance of natural sunlight and gorgeous views, but the greenhouse effect is a little less than welcome on a warm, humid day. We did it, though! Yeah!

Every little gesture makes a difference, so why not turn up your thermostat a few degrees this summer and grab a MF Green Membership with the extra cash you save?

POSTED BY LINDSAY Read All Posts by Lindsay

Mother's Day at the MF

As we are all aware, Mother's Day is rapidly approaching this Sunday (YIKES!). If you're at all like me, time has certainly crept up on you and now you're scrambling to make sure your Mom is well-taken-care-of this weekend. Well, we here at the MF have a few offerings designed to help make your Mom's special day easy for you and art-filled for her!



1) FREE Admission and Mimosas for Mom! Bring your Mom to the museum this Sunday, May 10th, and she gets in FREE. That's right, all Moms attending with their child(ren) get in FREE. And if that's not enough of a deal, the BoxSpring Café will be serving brunch from 1:00PM - 4:00PM, at which Mom will be treated to a complimentary Mimosa!

2) Unique Gifts for the Mom Who Has Everything! I know the perfect gift for Mom can be very hard to find. The MF Shop has some great new items that would make fantastic gifts for any Mom this Mother's Day. We have some very fun recycled tote bags that would be perfect for summer trips to the beach (or maybe the Monongahela or Allegheny Rivers in our case!) or even just the grocery store. Our recycled totes make the perfect gift, as we are all trying to be a bit more eco-conscious in our everyday lives these days.

Paired with our Green Membership, you could make it an environmentally-friendly Mother's Day! We also have soy candles, coffee table books, ceramic spring vases, and some other great things for Mom. Gift cards are also available at any chosen amount. So whether you're looking for the ultimate gift or even just a nice card, come by and see us – the MF Shop is open during regular museum hours and during select events.

POSTED BY ERIN Read All Posts by Erin

Celebrate EARTH DAY by Going GREEN with Us!

If you've been reading the MF blog during the past few weeks, you know we've been posting about some of the greening initiatives the museum has recently undertaken. You know all about the QR codes in our galleries that will drastically reduce the quantity of printed gallery guides. And you know the Mattress Factory was the first museum in the United States to offer a 100% paperless GREEN membership level, which allows a greater percentage of your membership dollars to directly support the art.

Today is Earth Day, so leave it to us to do something special in observance of this very important eco-tradition. Earth Day was founded in 1969. That's 40 years ago. Sticking with the number 40, we're offering a 40% discount on MF Green Memberships to anyone who signs up or renews by midnight tonight. That's a full $20 off the regular price with all the same perks (FREE admission, Shop/Café discounts, etc.)!



Member support directly translates to artist support, and is the heart-and-soul of what we do here at the museum. Go green with us and save a little green, too! Please consider becoming a GREEN member today!

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POSTED BY LINDSAY Read All Posts by Lindsay

QR Codes : A Visitor's Resource Guide

The symbol you see to the left is a QR code. QR codes can be read by smartphones and tablets using a simple scanning application, which prompts the device to open a web link in a matter of seconds.

In an attempt to reduce the amount of printed materials we produce, we've placed several QR codes throughout the museum. Each code will direct you to online resources with more information about the objects on view. Some codes link directly to our website or provide short messages about artwork in the galleries; others access video of artists talking about the piece or installing the work.

We want you to get the most out of your visit to the Mattress Factory, so visit your provider's app store to download a QR scanner today. If you do not have access to a QR scanner please see the information desk for supplemental materials, or visit the museum's website when you are near a computer.


A title card containing a QR code.

Greening the MF - Episode 1 : QR Codes in the Galleries

Throughout the month of April, I'm visiting with other MF staffers to talk about their everyday efforts to green the Mattress Factory. In this first episode, I chat with Jeffrey Inscho about the roll-out of QR codes in the galleries, an initiative intended to reduce the amount of printed gallery cards the museum produces and distributes. Up next in the Greening of the Mattress Factory series, I sit down with Barbara Luderowski to talk about the retro-fitting of museum properties and environmental aspects of new MF construction.



If you can't see the embedded video above, CLICK HERE to open a new window.

UPDATE (4/3/2009) - QR Codes: A Visitor Resource Guide

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POSTED BY LINDSAY Read All Posts by Lindsay

Go GREEN with the MF this April.

As membership coordinator here at the MF, I'm extremely proud about the fact that last April we became the first museum in the United States to offer a GREEN Membership level. With absolutely no paper involved, GREEN members choose to forgo ALL printed materials. In addition to being a responsible environmental choice, this allows a larger portion of their membership contributions to go directly toward the art, rather than slick exhibition announcements or fundraising correspondence. But what's cooler, I believe, than being the first museum in the US to offer a paperless membership, are the everyday green efforts that occur here at the museum. The dedication of the entire staff to operate efficiently, yet eco-consciously, amazes me on a daily basis.

So throughout the month of April (in honor of Earth Day on the 22nd), I'll be showcasing some of the ways the Mattress Factory chooses to incorporate environmentally-conscious procedures, projects and people into its daily operations. From recycling and retro-fitting to CFLs and QRs, we feel that true progress stems from the everyday actions of forward-thinking people and organizations. With that in mind, I'm excited to share the museum's green efforts with you in the weeks to come and I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts about these initiatives. Stay tuned! The first installment to come later this week!

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POSTED BY LINDSAY Read All Posts by Lindsay