I.

Calling of the Meeting to Order and Welcome New Trustees Edward D. Baker III, David H. S. Chung, Robert T. Wall, and Lisa Zanze – Diane B. Wilsey, President

A meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums ofSan Francisco was held on Thursday, October 11, 2007, in the Piazzoni Murals Room, de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.  A quorum was present that being one-third of the number of Trustees in office.  President Wilsey called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. and extended a warm welcome to new Trustees Edward D. Baker III, David H. S. Chung, Robert T. Wall, and Lisa Zanze, as well as to members of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco management staff who had been encouraged to attend the Board meetings on a regular basis.

President Wilsey presided; Mrs. Gough acted as Secretary.

II.

Calling of the Roll

The following Trustees were present:

Edward D. Baker III
Cheryl L. Bancroft
Iris S. Chan
David H. S. Chung
Barnaby Conrad III
Molly Murphy Crowley
Harrison S. Fraker, Jr.
Karen B. Francois
Elise Friedman
Lauren Hall
Gretchen Kimball
Kathryn Lasater
Monica Maduro, Vice President for Marketing and Audience Development
Robert P. Morrow III
Carl Pascarella
Marianne H. Peterson
Louise H. Renne
Jeanne Robertson
Shelagh Rohlen
Lisa M. Sardegna
Arlene Schnitzer
Robert T. Wall
Diane B. Wilsey, President
Lisa Zanze

On motion, duly seconded and carried unanimously, the following Trustees were excused:

Adolphus Andrews, Jr.
Roger Barnett
Shelby W. Bonnie
Kermit H. Boston
T. Robert Burke
Carol W. Casey
Marion Moore Cope, Vice President for Annual Support
Penny Coulter
Denise B. Fitch
John A. Friede
Michael H. Podell
George B. Saxe
Randolph R. Scott
Susan S. Swartz
Jim Tananbaum
Trevor D. Traina
Lonna Wais
David Winton

The following ex-officio Trustees were unable to be present:

Mayor Gavin Newsom
Lawrence Martin, President, Recreation and Park Commission

Other Trustees in attendance were:

Richard W. Goss II
Stephanie MacColl
Steven MacGregor Read
Anne McWilliams
Gail Merriam
J. Alec Merriam
Paul A. Violich, Vice President, Finance
Florence Sue Wong

III.

Report of the President – Diane B. Wilsey

A. Consideration and Possible Action to Approve the Minutes of the September 13, 2007 Executive Committee Meeting of the Board of Trustees

There being no discussion among the Trustees or members of the public, the minutes of the September 13, 2007 Executive Committee meeting of the Board of Trustees, having been mailed in advance to all Trustees, were unanimously approved. 

B. Consideration and Possible Action to Approve the Report of the September 19, 2007 Meeting of the Acquisitions Committee of the Fine Arts Museums Foundation – George Hecksher, Vice President for Collections, and Chair of the Acquisitions Committee

In the absence of Chair Hecksher, Director Buchanan provided the report of the September 19, 2007 meeting of the Acquisitions Committee of the Fine Arts Museums Foundation.  Mr. Buchanan recalled that a working session of the Acquisitions Committee was held on March 15, 2007, which represented the first step in the process to establish permanent collection priorities.  It was agreed at that meeting that the next step would involve curatorial presentations, including a summary of each collection emphasizing strengths and weaknesses; identification of major works of art (“wish listâ€) to be acquired through purchase or gift, taking into consideration the cost of artworks acquired through purchase; and a description of deaccessioning plans.  Four curatorial presentations preceded the September 19^th Acquisitions Committee meeting:  Ancient Art Collection, Dr. Renée Dreyfus; European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, Martin Chapman; Textiles and Costumes, Diane Mott and Jill D’Alessandro. 

1. Gift of Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art - Presentation, Discussion and Possible Action to Accept a Gift of 137 Works of the Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art and the Corresponding Promised Gift of the Entire Jolika Collection, and Authorization of the Director of the Fine Arts Museums to Take all Necessary Steps to Finalize and Execute the Proposed Deed of Gift and Promised Gift Agreement Including any Attached Exhibits – Christina Hellmich, Curator of the Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art

Mr. Buchanan stated that today’s meeting was momentous in the history of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco due to the presentation of the extraordinarily generous gift of 137 objects from the Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art, which is without peer in the continental United States.  He introduced Christina Hellmich, Curator of the Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art and Curator of Oceanic Art, who presented the proposed gift.

Ms. Hellmich noted that the promised gift of the Jolika Collection and the inaugural exhibition that accompanied the opening of the new de Young Museum in October 2005 dramatically transformed the national and international profile of the Museums’ collection of New Guinea and Oceanic Art.  The collection has been amassed over four decades of resolute connoisseurship.

The 137 works range in scale from small personal items to large architectural fragments. While most of the pieces are from the Sepik Province, many different areas of New Guinea including the Highlands, Madang Province, the Gulf Province and West Papua are represented.  They display an array of organic materials and artistic techniques.  Numerous works in this gift are considered of great importance to the Museums’ corpus of New Guinea art.

Ms. Hellmich advised that 120 of the 137 gifted objects are currently on view at the de Young Museum.  It was particularly noted that this gift was made in honor of Diane B. Wilsey and Harry S. Parker III. 

Mr. Buchanan extended profound appreciation to the donors for this gift of 137 objects from the Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art (listed on page 1 of Appendix I of these minutes) and the promised gift of the entire collection to the Museums.  President Wilsey added her gratitude to the donors, and the Board of Trustees acknowledged the gift with a sustained round of applause.

Gifts Offered to the Museums

Mr. Buchanan discussed the following gifts:

American Art

A major impressionist painting, Mother and Child, ca. 1895, by John Henry Twachtman (American, 1853-1902) which has been on loan to the Museums since 1928 and is currently on view at the de Young Museum.

A gift of a painting and sculpture by surrealist artist Enrico Donati (American, b. 1907), Trouble-fête, 1944; and Totem (Hommage à Julius), 1945.  It was noted that these artworks were installed as part of the The Surreal World of Enrico Donati exhibition at the de Young Museum this past summer. 

Prints and Drawings

Young Woman Reading, 1887, a watercolor by Theodore Robinson (American, 1852-1896), and a gift of two works on paper from a Trustee, Paris Fashion Show, 1957, 1957 by Renée Bouché (French, 1906-1963), and Untitled (table and chairs in snow) by Evelyn H. Lauder (American, born Austria)

Textiles

Evening suit, ca. 1983-1984, by Roberto Capucci and a gift of 15 works of couture.

Mr. Buchanan expressed sincere appreciation to all donors.  The gifts offered to the Museums by the Fine Arts Museums Foundation are listed on pages 2 to 6 of Appendix I of these minutes. 

Purchases

Mr. Buchanan reported that the Acquisitions Committee at its September 19^th meeting recommended 2 American artworks, 1 European painting, and 3 works on paper to the Board of Trustees for approval as follows and as listed on page 7 of Appendix I of these minutes:

American Art

Niagara (diptych), 2006, a digital photographic transparency and light box, by Elliott Anderson (American, b. 1960), and Donner Pass, 10/12/2006, 2006, a unique gelatin print photograph, by Shi Guorui (b. Shanxi China, 1964).  Both of these artworks were part of the de Young’s Collection Connections program, which connects historic, traditional art to contemporary art.  They were featured in the exhibitions, Elliot Anderson:  Average Landscapes (January 13 to May 20, 2007) and Shi Guorui:  Reproduction and Refashioning (May 26 – September 30, 2007).  A generous grant from the Annenberg Foundation funds the program and includes the purchase of artworks mounted in the Connections exhibitions.

European Art

Pyramids at Gizeh, 1855, by Thomas Seddon (British, 1821-1856) broadens the Museums’ Pre-Raphaelite holdings. 

Prints and Drawings

Nu feminin debout, 1915, by Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) is directly linked to Alma de Bretteville Spreckels, who founded the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.  This acquisition has been made possible through the generosity of a Trustee.

Purchases Reported for the Record

Three Africa, Oceania and the Americas objects, and 7 works on paper reported for the record are listed on page 8 of Appendix I of these minutes.

First Step Deaccessioning

Fifty works of American Art and 45 European Decorative Arts objects were recommended by the Acquisitions Committee for first step deaccessioning, as listed on page 9 of Appendix I of these minutes. 

Second Step Deaccessioning

Five works of American art were recommended by the Acquisitions Committee for second step deaccessioning, as listed on page 10 of Appendix I of these minutes.

Mr. Buchanan introduced the following resolution:

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco does hereby approve the September 19, 2007 report of the Acquisitions Committee of the Fine Arts Museums Foundation, including accepting the gift of 137 works from the Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art and the corresponding promised gift of the entire Jolika Collection, and authorizing the Director of the Fine Arts Museums to take all necessary steps to finalize and execute the proposed Deed of Gift and Promised Gift Agreement including any attached exhibits; approving additional works of art acquired through donation and purchase as gifts to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco from the Fine Arts Museums Foundation; and approving first step and second step deaccessioning.

On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1629.

C. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Honoring Debbie Albuquerque, Deputy Director of Operations and Personnel, Who Has Resigned Effective October 15, 2007

President Wilsey advised that Debbie Albuquerque, Deputy Director of Operations and Personnel, will leave the Museums on October 15, 2007.  She is moving on to a new career and responsibilities at the University of California after nearly thirty years of dedicated service to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.  She read the following resolution honoring Debbie Albuquerque:

WHEREAS, After nearly thirty years of service to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Debbie Albuquerque, Deputy Director of Operations and Personnel, is moving on to a new career and responsibilities at the University of California; and

WHEREAS, Since her arrival at the Fine Arts Museums in November 1978, Ms. Albuquerque served with distinction as Accounts Clerk; Payroll and Personnel Clerk; Manager of Payroll, Benefits Administration and Personnel; Director of Human Resources; Director of Employee Relations and de Young Administrator; and Deputy Director for Operations and Personnel; and

WHEREAS, In 1991, Ms. Albuquerque established the first Human Resources Department serving as its Director since that time with responsibility for recruitment, benefits administration, labor negotiations, museum personnel policy, and affirmative action; and

WHEREAS, As Director of Human Resources, she has worked tirelessly as a constant advocate for and resource to the staff of the Fine Arts Museums; and

WHEREAS, The Museums have depended on her comprehensive understanding of and facility to manage the FAMSF and COFAM personnel budgets, especially during challenging financial times when at different intervals both the Legion of Honor and the de Young Museums were closed for re-building; and

WHEREAS, In preparation for the closure of the de Young Museum in 1998, she assumed the additional title of de Young Administrator and was responsible for coordinating the relocation of staff from the old de Young Museum building to the Legion of Honor and four interim facilities, and maintained management oversight of these various off-site facilities in the years leading to the opening of the new de Young Museum in October 2005; and

WHEREAS, In December 2003 when Ms. Albuquerque was promoted to the position of Deputy Director for Operations and Personnel, her expanded responsibilities included management of the departments of Security, Engineering, Volunteer and Visitor Services, Health and Safety, and Legion Administration and Operations; and

WHEREAS, She was critical to the opening of the de Young Museum two years ago moving staff into the new facility, recruiting and training a de Young Museum guard force, implementing new admission fees and visitor services, and attending to a myriad of operations details; and

WHEREAS, Although Ms. Albuquerque has been quoted as saying, “the de Young and Legion of Honor Museums have enriched in many ways my life and that of my family,†it is submitted that Debbie Albuquerque has in fact enriched in countless ways the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and in particular its employee relations function; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco does hereby honor and express deepest gratitude to Debbie Albuquerque for her lifetime of dedicated service to the staff and the Museums; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Board by acclamation extends every good wish and happiness to Debbie Albuquerque in her future endeavors.

President Wilsey extended appreciation to Debbie Albuquerque, and the Board of Trustees acknowledged Ms. Albuquerque with a heartfelt round of applause.  On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1630.  President Wilsey presented a framed copy of the resolution to Ms. Albuquerque.

IV.

Report of the Director – John E. Buchanan, Jr.

A. Presentation Honoring Diane B. Wilsey, President of the Board of Trustees – Denise Joseph, Chair Elect, Volunteer Steering Committee

Mr. Buchanan introduced Denise Joseph, Chair Elect of the Volunteer Steering Committee, who extended appreciation to President Wilsey for her efforts on behalf of the Museums and her kindness to volunteers.  In honor of President Wilsey, the Volunteer Steering Committee helped underwrite the Spring 2007 Vivienne Westwood: 36 Years in Fashion exhibition.  Ms. Joseph presented President Wilsey with a framed photograph of Mrs. Wilsey and British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood taken at the preview reception celebrating the opening of the exhibition.  The Board of Trustees acknowledged President Wilsey and the Volunteer Steering Committee with a round of applause.

B. Presentation of the Annual Report on the Education Programs at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007 – Sheila Pressley, Director of Education

Mr. Buchanan extended praise and appreciation to Sheila Pressley, Director of Education, and her staff for their efforts in planning and organizing the extraordinarily high quality programs the Museums offer to the public.  He introduced Ms. Pressley, who presented the appended Annual Report on the Education Programs at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007. 

Ms. Pressley provided an overview of the annual report which details 27 education programs serving the Museums’ visitors ranging from 3 ½ years of age to senior citizens.  The 253,888 Education Department visitors, including 58,000 students K-12, served during the 2006-07 fiscal year represent an increase of more than 10,000 from the prior year.  Ms. Pressley noted the significance of this increase during the year following the opening of the new de Young Museum when attendance might be expected to decrease.  Approximately 100,000 of these visitors participated in docent tours and lectures this past year, and Ms. Pressley extended appreciation to the 100 active docents for their enormous contribution to the Education Department and the Fine Arts Museums.

Ms. Pressley then discussed Cultural Encounters at the New de Young, a year-round series of three interrelated and interconnected programs designed to attract new and diverse audiences to the Museums while broadening understanding of and appreciation for the art on display in the permanent and temporary exhibition galleries. Cultural Encounters consists of 1) Artists’ Studio, 2) Connections, and 3) Friday Nights at the de Young.  It was noted that Friday Nights at the de Young attendance has doubled this year, and Ms. Pressley acknowledged the Marketing and Communications Department for its contribution to this successful program.  She introduced Renee Baldocchi, Director of Public Programs, and recognized her outstanding efforts in organizing Friday Nights at the de Young as an educational venue appropriate for visitors of all ages. The Board of Trustees acknowledged Ms. Baldocchi with a round of applause.

Ms. Pressley advised that over $2 million has recently been raised to support Cultural Encounters over the next three years through funding from The James Irvine Foundation, Columbia Foundation, The Wallace Foundation, Koret Foundation, Institute of Museum and Library Services, and The Winifred Johnson Clive Foundation.  Appreciation was extended to Gary Landis, Senior Grants Officer, for his role in securing these grants, and the Board of Trustees acknowledged Mr. Landis with a round of applause.

Ms. Pressley concluded her remarks by thanking Director Buchanan and the Board of Trustees for their ongoing support of the Museums’ education programs.

C. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Acknowledging Funding Expended by the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums During the Period April 1 through June 30, 2007

The city’s Sunshine Ordinance requires the Fine Arts Museums to disclose the amount and source of all gifts received.  Mr. Buchanan presented the following resolution, which acknowledges funding expended by the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums for the period April 1 through June 30, 2007:

WHEREAS, The Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation that exists to support the activities of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco does hereby acknowledge with gratitude funding in the amount of $7,304,061 expended by the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums for operations during the period April 1 through June 30, 2007.

On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1631.

D. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Acknowledging the Bequest of Funds Received During the Period April 1 through June 30, 2007

In accordance with the city’s Sunshine Ordinance, bequests received by the Fine Arts Museums must also be disclosed.  Mr. Buchanan introduced the following resolution acknowledging the following bequests of funds received by the Museums during the period April 1 through June 30, 2007:

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco does hereby acknowledge that the following bequest of funds was received during the period April 1 through June 30, 2007:

Estate of E. Jean Ferdinandsen, $312,076.85 (de Young Museum)

On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1632.

V.

Public Comment

Members of the public may address the Board of Trustees on items not on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.  Speakers may address the Board for up to three minutes; the President or the Board of Trustees may limit total comments to thirty minutes.  There was no public comment.

VI.

Meeting Schedule, Future Events and Current and Future Exhibits

A. 2008 Board of Trustees Meetings

B. 2007 Executive Committee Meetings

C. 2008 Executive Committee Meetings

D. Future Events

E. Current and Future Exhibitions (*Exhibitions organized by FAMSF)

Legion of Honor - Major Special Exhibitions[1]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
de Young Museum -  Major Special Exhibitions

VI.

Adjournment - Diane B. Wilsey, President

There being no further business, President Wilsey adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m. 
Respectfully submitted,

Judy Gough
Executive Secretary

Note:  These minutes set forth all actions taken up by the Board of Trustees on matters stated, but not necessarily in the order in which the matters were considered.