Collecting is not a new idea. The Egyptian Pharaohs were buried with the things they collected in life. The Medici family in Renaissance Italy collected art. Governments have long sponsored collections of items of historical or political significance.


Individuals' collections invariably tell us something about the person themselves. From memories of a bygone era to artistic prowess, each collection is a story.



Click on each thumbnail above to get a glimpse into someone's collection and the person behind it.





Photos, audio and design by Esten Hurtle

Claire
Shells
Clare Melick collects a wide range of seashells, from fragments that wash up on the beach to cross-sections of shells. She began her collection after seeing her 10 year-old daughter's science fair project, which was on different types of seashells.
Chris
Music
Chris Brant stands in front of his collection of records, audio equipment and other music paraphernalia. Brant often finds broken equipment and brings it back to life. He said his favorite pieces of audio gear to work on are machines made by Edison.
Katie
Pyrex
Katie Kane holds a bowl made of Pyrex up to her ear. Kane said she collects the antique pieces of glassware because they remind her of growing up during the 50’s.
Dallas
Miniatures
Dallas Kemp hides behind the rows of miniature models that he collects and paints. The diminutive figures are used in a variety of tabletop war games which Kemp usually plays at local game store, Valhalla’s Gate.
Sally
Sally
Sally Mertz sits on her couch, covered in her collection of teddy bears. Mertz said she had some of the bears for several years before learning of their value.
Waylon
Pez
Waylon Clark holds a small part of his Pez dispenser collection into the air, surrounded by more brightly colored pieces in his collection. Despite his love for the candy dispensers, he cares little for the candy itself. “It’s a little chalky,” he said.