Were you ever sent a package from someone you know and asked not to open it for ten years? In March 1989 the University Museum of Contemporary Art was sent three packages from artist Stephen Antonakos, the world-renown artist who created the neon sculpture on the front façade of the Fine Arts Center. The packages he sent are part of a series "Packages Meant to be Opened" which he created between 1972 and 1976. Each package was labeled with specific instructions and, as a condition of accepting this gift, the Gallery staff signed a promissory note agreeing they wouldn't open the packages or try to find out what was in each package until a designated time in the future. Two of the packages were opened in November 1993 and the remaining package was to be opened in July 2000. Of the packages that were opened in 1993; one package contained the November 2, 1973 New York Times and Antonakos' sketchbook dated April 1962. The other package contained two collages signed and dated by the artist in 1975.

As excitement mounted, the big "unwrapping" day -- July 13, 2000 -- finally arrived. The University Museum of Contemporary Art hosted a public unwrapping highlighted by performances by student jazz string quartets from this year's Jazz in July Workshops in Improvisation. As Honoré David, the Gallery's Outreach Coordinator, readied herself with scissors, some 100 spectators crowded in to get a better look.

And the package ... did we really find out what was in it? Yes and no. The package contained part of a picture, and the instructions: "This picture is one of forty parts which make up one whole picture. This is no. 30. Please contact Stephen Antonakos or his estate so the whole picture can be reconstructed for a short time." It was signed by Antonakos in 1975. What a wonderful surprise! More details will follow -- How many other galleries received similar packages? Who are they? And have they opened their packages yet? The suspense continues.

University Museum of Contemporary Art , located on the lower level of the Fine Arts Center, is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 5pm.