I.

Calling of the Meeting to Order – Diane B. Wilsey, President

A meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco was held on Thursday, June 2, 2005, in the Board Room of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, San Francisco.  A quorum was present that being one-third of the number of Trustees in office.  By resolution at its April 14, 2005 meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to change the time of this meeting to 2 p.m. from 3 p.m.  The meeting was called to order at 2:10 p.m.

President Wilsey presided; Mrs. Gough acted as Secretary.

II.

Calling of the Roll

The following Trustees were present:

Adolphus Andrews, Jr.
Cheryl H. Bancroft
Kermit W. Boston
T. Robert Burke
Carol W. Casey
Barnaby Conrad III
Marion Moore Cope
Denise B. Fitch
Harrison S. Fraker, Jr.
Karen B. Francois
Elise Friedman
Dr. Rupert Garcia
Lauren Hall
Diane B. Lloyd-Butler, Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Robert P. Morrow III
Marianne H. Peterson
Louise H. Renne
Jeanne Robertson
Shelagh Rohlen, Vice President for Annual Support
Trevor D. Traina
Diane B. Wilsey, President
David Winton

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

Arlene Ackerman
Del M. Anderson
Alvin H. Baum, Jr.
Shelby W. Bonnie
Iris S. Chan
Penny Coulter
Molly Murphy Crowley
John A. Friede
Richard N. Goldman
Nancy Hamon
Jacqueline Hoefer
William R. Kimball
Nion McEvoy
Lorna F. Meyer
Josie Mooney
Joy Ou
Michael H. Podell
Mara E. Rosales
George B. Saxe
Randolph R. Scott, Vice President for Audience Development and Civic Affairs
Carlos Villa
Lonna Wais
Nancy Willis

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

Mayor Gavin Newsom
John Murray, President, Recreation and Park Commission

Other Trustees in attendance were:

Barbara B. Carleton
Richard W. Goss II
George Hecksher, Vice President for Collections
J. Burgess Jamieson
Stephanie MacColl
J. Alec Merriam
George M. Marcus
Florence Sue Wong

III.

Report of the President – Diane B. Wilsey

A. Consideration and Possible Action to Approve the Minutes of the April 14, 2005 Board of Trustees Meeting

There being no discussion among the Trustees or members of the public, the minutes of the April 14, 2005 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 May 26, 2005 Report of the Acquisitions Committee Including Accepting the Works of Art Acquired by Purchase, Donation and Bequest as Gifts to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco from The Fine Arts Museums Foundation; Approving Two Gifts of Art to The Fine Arts Museums Foundation for Loan to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco; Approving a Resolution Authorizing the Director of Museums to Accept Gifts of Works of Art from May 26, 2005, the Date of the Last Acquisitions Committee Meeting Before the New de Young Opens, through the Opening of the New de Young on October 15, 2005; Approving a Resolution to Transfer Two Chinese Historical Objects to the Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco; and Approving First and Second Step Deaccessioning - George Hecksher, Vice President for Collections and Chair of the Acquisitions Committee of The Fine Arts Museums Foundation

1. Report of the May 26, 2005 Acquisitions Committee Meeting

a. Purchases

George Hecksher, Vice President for Collections and Chair of the Acquisitions Committee, advised that several acquisitions recommended by the Acquisitions Committee on May 26^th, were on view at the meeting.  At his request, Karin Breuer, Curator for Contemporary Graphic Arts, presented Bushbaby, 2004, by Jasper Johns, an American master artist renowned as a painter and sculptor and for his works on paper.  He began making prints over 50 years ago at Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE), Long Island, New York.  ULAE made Bushbaby, a color etching and aquatint, available to the Museums in recognition of the exhibition celebrating the 45^th anniversary of Johns’ printmaking activities, Jasper Johns:  45 Years of Master Prints, the inaugural exhibition of the Anderson Gallery of Graphic Art at the de Young (October 15, 2005 – February 12, 2006). 

Robert Flynn Johnson, Curator for the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, discussed a watercolor by Giacomo Balla, Cartolina Interventista, ca. 1917 – 1918.  This watercolor, a classic example of futurism, reflects the main components of futurist composition:  bright color, a strong sense of movement, and the integration of text into the artwork.   The acquisition of this work on paper represents a major addition to the Museums’ holdings of important, 20^th century European art.

Chair Hecksher reported that the following works of art were also recommended for purchase:  1) Totem with Landscape 2005, 2005 by Paloma Torres; 2) Artificial Rock, 2005, by Zhan Wang; 3) “Jazz” Punch Bowl, ca. 1931, by Viktor Shreckengost (aurhorization to bid at the June 8, 2005 Sotheby’s auction in New York City);[1] 4) 3-Piece Tea Service by Christopher Dresser; and 5) Manteau caftan, 1910, by Paul Poiret, which was partially funded by a Trustee.  The Board of Trustees recognized the generosity of this Trustee with a round of applause.  A motion was made and seconded to approve the purchases listed as numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 on page 1 of Appendix I of these minutes as gifts to the Museums offered by the Foundation.  There was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve and accept these purchases as gifts of art from the Fine Arts Museums Foundation.

b. Gifts Offered to the Museums

Mr. Johnson presented a gift of sixteen works on paper, including fifteen important Indian miniatures, from a Trustee, which was made in memory of her late husband, an Emeritus Trustee.  This Trustee was also instrumental in making the bequest of thirty-seven works on paper discussed below.  The Board of Trustees acknowledged the generosity of these Trustees with a round of applause.  

Timothy Anglin Burgard, Curator for American Art, then presented My Daughter Dieudonnée by William Merritt Chase, ca. 1902, a gift of a Foundation Trustee in memory of his late wife.  This painting of Chase’s oldest child, Alice Dieudonnée born in 1887, is the first full-length portrait by Chase to enter the permanent collection.  It has already been installed in the new de Young.   Chase is recognized as a major American landscape and portrait artist, and as the best still-life artist of his generation.  The generosity of the Foundation Trustee was acknowledged with a round of applause.

A motion was made and seconded to approve and accept the gifts offered to the Museums.  There was no discussion among the Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve and accept the gifts offered to the Museums by the Fine Arts Museums Foundation listed on pages 2 through 6 of Appendix I of these minutes. 

c. Bequest of Thirty-Seven Artworks Offered to the Museums

This major bequest of thirty-seven works on paper from an emeritus Trustee and former Acquisitions Committee Chair also represents a gift from his wife, a Trustee, who transferred her lifetime interest in the artworks to the Museums at this time.  Mr. Johnson presented one of the artworks, Rising Moon, 1941, an important watercolor by Arthur Dove.  The Board of Trustees expressed appreciation to the decedent and to the Trustee with a round of applause.  A motion was made and seconded to approve and accept this bequest and gift.  There was no discussion among the Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve and accept the bequest and gift offered to the Museums by the Foundation listed on pages 7 through 9 of Appendix I of these minutes. 

d. Resolution Authorizing the Director of Museums to Accept Gifts of Works of Art from May 26, 2005, the Date of the Last Acquisitions Committee Meeting Before the New de Young Opens, through the Opening of the New de Young on October 15, 2005

Chair Hecksher reported that the usual September meeting of the Acquisitions Committee was deferred until November 17, 2005 given the activities surrounding the opening of the de Young on October 15, 2005.  It was noted that gifts of works of art continue to be received from donors in celebration of the opening of the New de Young.  In order to recognize donors for their gifts of art at the time of the de Young opening, it was recommended that the Director of Museums be authorized to accept gifts of art offered to the Fine Arts Museums Foundation and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco from May 26, 2005, the date of the last meeting of the Acquisitions Committee before the new de Young opens, through October 15, 2005, the date of the opening of the de Young.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution to this effect on page 10 of Appendix I of these minutes.  There was no discussion among the Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the resolution authorizing the Director of Museums to accept gifts of works of art from May 26, 2005, the date of the last Acquisitions Committee meeting before the new de Young opens, through the opening of the de Young on October 15, 2005, listed on page 10 of Appendix I of these minutes to the Boards of Trustees for approval.

e. Resolution to Transfer of Two Chinese Historical Objects to the Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco

Chair Hecksher noted that the Boards of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Fine Arts Museums Foundation approved, upon the recommendation of the Acquisitions Committee at its February 11, 2005 meeting, second step deaccessioning for one Chinese historical object, Flag pale olive with blue and white dragon, and the sale of one Chinese historical object, Shoes, on loan to the Museums for over twenty-five years and considered abandoned property in accordance with California Civic Code Section 1899.  In a letter dated May12, 2005, the Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco indicated its interest in acquiring these two historical objects.  In response to the Fine Arts Museums’ subsequent inquiry, the Asian Art Museum confirmed that it was not interested in acquiring the two Chinese historical objects.  A motion was made and seconded to approve a resolution to transfer the two Chinese historical objects, Shoes and Flag pale olive with blue and white dragon to the Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco.  There was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the resolution transferring the two Chinese historical objects to the Chinese Culture Foundation of
San Francisco listed on page 11 of Appendix I of these minutes.

f. First and Second Step Deaccessioning

A motion to approve first step deaccessioning was made and seconded for the two American paintings listed on page 12 of Appendix I of these minutes.  There was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve first step deaccessioning for the two American paintings  listed on page 12 of Appendix I of these minutes. 

A motion to approve second step deaccessioning was made and seconded for the American painting, Boats and Feather by Charles E. Wadsworth.  As required by Board policy, the Acquisitions Committee viewed this painting at its May 26^th meeting. There was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve second step deaccessioning for this painting, listed on page 12 of Appendix I of these minutes. 

g. Purchases for the Record

These objects are listed on pages 13 through 15 of Appendix I of these minutes.

Chair Hecksher introduced the following resolution:

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco does hereby approve the appended  May 26, 2005 report of the Acquisitions Committee of the Fine Arts Museums Foundation, including accepting the works of art acquired by purchase, donation and bequest as gifts to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco from the Fine Arts Museums Foundation; approving two gifts of art to the Fine Arts Museums Foundation for loan to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco; approving a resolution authorizing the Director of Museums to accept gifts of works of art from May 26, 2005, the date of the last Acquisitions Committee meeting before the new de Young opens, through the opening of the new de Young on October 15, 2005; approving a resolution to transfer two Chinese historical objects to the Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco; and approving first 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 1559.

2. Special Presentation

President Wilsey presented one additional acquisition for purchase consideration, The Enamored Mage:  Translation #6, by Jess (Burgess) Franklin Collins, a gift of the Board of Trustees in honor of Harry S. Parker III, Director of the Fine Arts Museums.  The gift commemorates Mr. Parker’s retirement on December 31, 2005 after the opening of the new de Young and his eighteen years of visionary leadership.

The painting was brought into the Board Room, and Mr. Burgard was requested to present The Enamored Mage:  Translation #6.    He reviewed the acquisitions statement distributed at the meeting, noting that Jess is a towering figure of the post-World War II Bay Area movement of Beat art, culture, and literature.  The well-known painting is from the artist’s most famous series of works. Perhaps the most personal of the thirty-two “Translations” created between 1959 and 1976, the painting depicts his partner and collaborator, writer Robert Duncan.  It celebrates the symbiotic, creative relationship between them and is a testament to the period in which Beat-era artists and writers in the San Francisco Bay Area collaborated making major contributions to American cultural, social, and political history.  The Enamored Mage:  Translation #6 represents the era of cultural history in San Francisco when artists and artists worked together for common causes while still maintaining their own independence and vision.   It is a fitting tribute to the extraordinary effort and vision of Director Parker in creating the new de Young.

President Wilsey read the following resolution distributed at the meeting:

WHEREAS, Harry S. Parker III will retire as Director of the Fine Arts Museums of
San Francisco on December 31, 2005 after the opening of the new de Young museum; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco has funded the purchase of The Enamored Mage:  Translation #6 by Jess in honor of Harry S. Parker III, Director of Museums from 1987 to present, as a gift to The Fine Arts Museums Foundation for loan to the Museums; and

WHEREAS, The acquisition of the Jess painting commemorates Director Parker’s eighteen years of visionary leadership and loyal and courageous service to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees does hereby approve the acquisition of
The Enamored Mage:  Translation #6 by Jess in honor of Director Parker; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees expresses its deepest appreciation and affection to Harry S. Parker III, Director of Museums.

The Board of Trustees acknowledged Mr. Parker with a sustained and heartfelt round of applause.  A motion was made and seconded to acquire the Jess painting noted as follows:

Jess (Burgess) Franklin Collins, 1923 – 2004
The Enamored Mage:  Translation #6, 1965
Credit line:  Foundation purchase, gift of a grateful Board of Trustees in honor of Harry S. Parker III, Director of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, 1987 - 2005
Gift to the Fine Arts Museums Foundation for loan to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

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 1560.  Mr. Parker expressed sincere appreciation to the Board of Trustees, noting that he was overwhelmed by their generous gesture of support and that the Jess painting is a personal favorite.  He recognized with gratitude the willingness and commitment of the Board to bring the Museums’ collections into the twentieth century, which was as critical a decision as the one made shortly after his arrival in 1987, involving the restructuring of the collections at the de Young and Legion of Honor. These significant decisions have made it possible to offer an art historical survey at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.  He concluded his remarks, and the Board of Trustees again expressed its appreciation to Mr. Parker with a heartfelt round of applause.
 

C. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Honoring Jeanne and Sanford Robertson for Their Generosity in Support of the New
de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and Naming the Jeanne and Sanford Robertson Gallery in the New de Young Museum

President Wilsey acknowledged with gratitude the generosity of many donors in support of the new de Young museum in Golden Gate Park.  In accordance with the Museums’ donor recognition policy, it is important at this time to recognize donors who have made significant gifts to the de Young and to name certain spaces in their honor.

President Wilsey read the following resolution:

WHEREAS, The building of the new de Young museum in Golden Gate Park is the highest institutional priority of the Board of Trustees; and

WHEREAS, The Museums have called upon individuals, deeply committed to philanthropy and the public good, to achieve the ambitious Capital Campaign goal to fund the new de Young museum through private sources; and

WHEREAS, Jeanne and Sanford Robertson generously provided funds for a gallery in the new de Young museum; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees, in accordance with the Museums’ donor recognition policy, does hereby name the Jeanne and Sanford Robertson Gallery of the new de Young museum in honor of Jeanne and Sanford Robertson; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees expresses its lasting gratitude to Jeanne and Sanford Robertson for their extraordinary generosity in support of the new de Young museum, which will enhance the cultural opportunities presented to the citizens of San Francisco and the Bay Area for generations to come.

On motion, duly seconded, the Board of Trustees acknowledged the generosity of Trustee Robertson and her husband with a round of applause.  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 1561.

D. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Honoring Mary Ann and Steven MacGregor Read for Their Continued Generosity in Support of the New de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and Naming the Loggia in the New de Young Museum

President Wilsey recognized the continued generosity of Mary Ann and Steven MacGregor Read, and presented the following resolution:

WHEREAS, The building of the new de Young museum in Golden Gate Park is the highest institutional priority of the Board of Trustees; and

WHEREAS, The Museums have called upon individuals, deeply committed to philanthropy and the public good, to achieve the ambitious Capital Campaign goal to fund the new de Young museum through private sources; and

WHEREAS, Mary Ann and Steven MacGregor Read provided funds for the Mary Ann and Steven MacGregor Read Family Gallery in the new de Young museum; and

WHEREAS, Mary Ann and Steven MacGregor Read generously donated additional funds to name the loggia adjacent to their gallery in honor of their children; and

WHEREAS, The exact wording to be used in naming the loggia will be reported at the June 2, 2006 meeting of the Board of Trustees; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees, in accordance with the Museums’ donor recognition policy, does hereby name the loggia adjacent to the Mary Ann and Steven MacGregor Read Family Gallery in honor of the Read children with the exact wording to be used in naming the loggia to be reported at the June 2, 2005 meeting of the Board of Trustees; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees expresses its lasting gratitude to Mary Ann and Steven MacGregor Read for their extraordinary generosity in support of the new de Young museum, which will enhance the cultural opportunities presented to the citizens of San Francisco and the Bay Area for generations to come.

President Wilsey advised that Mr. and Mrs. Read have requested that the designation of the loggia, adjacent to the Mary Ann and Steven MacGregor Read Family Gallery, read as follows:  M C M M B T.

On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimous to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1562.

E. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Naming the Harry W. and Mary M. Anderson Gallery in the New de Young Museum

President Wilsey introduced the following resolution naming the Harry W. and Mary M. Anderson Gallery in the new de Young museum:

WHEREAS, In 1996, Harry W. and Mary M. Anderson generously donated their significant graphic arts collection to the Fine Arts Museums of  San Francisco; and

WHEREAS, A condition of this gift required the Museums to name a gallery in the new de Young museum; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees does hereby name the Harry W. and Mary M. Anderson Gallery of the new de Young museum in honor of Harry W. and Mary M. Anderson.

On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimous to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1563.

F. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Changing the Name of the Robert and Ruth Halperin Foundation Gallery in the New de Young Museum to The Halperin Family Gallery

President Wilsey reported that Robert and Ruth Halperin have requested a change in the name of their gallery in the new de Young from the Robert and Ruth Halperin Foundation Gallery to The Halperin Family Gallery.  She presented the following resolution:

WHEREAS, At its meeting on September 23, 2004, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco adopted a resolution naming the Robert and Ruth Halperin Foundation Gallery in the new de Young museum; and

WHEREAS, Robert and Ruth Halperin recently requested a change in the name of their gallery from the Robert and Ruth Halperin Foundation Gallery to The Halperin Family Gallery; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees does hereby change the name of the Robert and Ruth Halperin Foundation Gallery in the new de Young Museum to The Halperin Family Gallery.

On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimous to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1564.

G. Report on the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority Underground Parking Facility

1. Report on the May 13, 2005 Hearing Before California Superior Court Judge James Warren

Judge James Warren of the California Superior Court held a hearing on May 13, 2005, regarding the two petitions filed by Save the Park and Pinky Kushner, et.al., which challenge the dedicated access route to the south entrance to the garage.  Judge Warren has not yet reached a decision on this matter.  The south entrance will provide access to the underground garage pod in front of the California Academy of Sciences.

2. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Reiterating the Critical Need for Access to the de Young Museum

Mr. Parker stated the seriousness of the challenge to end circulation of vehicles through the Golden Gate Park Concourse and the ability to drop off visitors at the front entrance of the de Young museum.  A determined group of citizens is focused on the concept of a pedestrian oasis in the Concourse, a term referred to in Proposition J, the Golden Gate Park Revitalization Act approved by San Francisco voters in June 1998.  In fact, Proposition J guaranteed access to the new de Young and implemented the Draft Golden Gate Park Master Plan, including the building of an underground parking facility and traffic calming measures in the Music Concourse.  It is critically important for the Board of Trustees to again reiterate that Concourse vehicular circulation from the north and south ends of the Park is essential to provide drop off access to the front entrance of the new de Young, especially for school children and visitors who are elderly, disabled, and have young children.   A public hearing before the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority regarding these matters is scheduled for June 14, 2005.

Trustee Emerita MacColl, a member of the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority, stated her opinion that a majority of the Authority directors understand the Museums’ position, regarding Concourse circulation and access to the front entrance of the de Young. 

President Wilsey presented the following resolution:

WHEREAS, San Francisco voters passed Proposition J, The Golden Gate Park Revitalization Act in June 1998, which guaranteed access to the new de Young museum and implemented the Draft Golden Gate Park Master Plan, including the building of an underground parking facility and traffic calming measures in the Music Concourse, to improve the health and vibrancy of Golden Gate Park; and

WHEREAS, In view of the passage of Proposition J, the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF) took action on October 15, 1998 to reaffirm its commitment to rebuild a new de Young museum in Golden Gate Park; and

WHEREAS, The FAMSF Board of Trustees has a long-standing record, reiterating that Concourse vehicular circulation is essential to provide drop off access to the front entrance of the new de Young, especially for school children and visitors who are elderly, disabled, and have young children; and

WHEREAS, The plans for an underground parking garage and surface improvements include many measures, such as road narrowing and added signage to the historic Concourse, which will contribute significantly to the traffic calming circulation pattern; and

WHEREAS, The new de Young museum will open to the public on October 15, 2005 and access to the new museum must be assured; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the FAMSF Board of Trustees does hereby reiterate the critical importance of Concourse vehicular circulation from both the north and the south to provide drop off access to the front entrance of the new de Young museum in Golden Gate Park; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees continues to support and encourage public transportation to the new de Young, as well as alternative means of transportation, including biking and walking, and will continue to provide a discount to MUNI riders; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees supports traffic calming measures proposed for Concourse circulation, including road narrowing, pavement changes, additional signage, and other non-mechanical traffic calming devices, provided drop off access is available to the front entrance of the new de Young, especially for school children and visitors who are elderly, disabled, and have young children.
 
On motion, duly seconded, Mr. Parker responded to several questions raised by Trustees.  He clarified that the narrowed Concourse road would be reduced from three lanes to one lane, which would widen and form a drop off lane in front of the de Young, and that signage would provide separate directions for de Young visitors and for through traffic.  There was no discussion among Trustees.  There was public testimony from the following individual:

Tomasita Medál spoke as an individual with physical disabilities in support of the Museums’ position of unobstructed Concourse circulation with guaranteed drop off access to the front entrance of the new de Young.
 
There was no further public testimony.  The Board of Trustees then voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1565.

H.Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Setting the Dates of the 2006 Meetings of the Board of Trustees

President Wilsey presented the following resolution setting the dates, times, and locations of the 2006 meetings of the Board of Trustees:

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco does hereby set the following dates, times and locations for its 2006 regular meetings:

Date; Time; Location
Thursday, January 26, 2006; 3 p.m.; Board Room, Legion of Honor
Thursday, April 13, 2006; 3 p.m.; Piazzoni Murals Room, de Young
Thursday, June 8, 2006; 3 p.m.; Board Room, Legion of Honor
Thursday, October 12, 2006; 3 p.m.; Piazzoni Murals Room, de Young

On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimous to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1566.

V.

Director’s Report – Harry S. Parker III

A.Consideration and Possible Action to Approve a Loan Request

Mr. Parker presented the following loan request:

From: Musée du Luxembourg, Paris, France

For: Titien – Le pouvoir en faces
Museo di Capodimonte, Naples, Italy:  5/5/06 – 8/27/06

Musée du Luxembourg, Paris, France:  9/13/06 – 1/21/07

Tiziano Vecellio (Titian) (Italian, 1477 – 1576)
Portrait of a Friend of Titian (Portrait of a Gentleman), circa 1550
Oil on canvas, 35 ½ x 28 ½ (90.2 x 72.4 cm)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation
61.44.17

Stipulations:  The painting will be accompanied by a FAMSF courier to Naples and from Paris to San Francisco.  The shipment between the two venues must be closely supervised by personnel from one of the two borrowing institutions.  All related expenses will be paid by the requesting organization.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the above loan request.  There was no discussion among Trustees or members of the public.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the loan subject to the conditions stated.

B. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing The Fine Arts Museums Foundation to Seek Insurance Coverage for the Works of Art Owned by or on Loan to the Foundation Through the City’s “Pooled” Insurance Policy with the Foundation’s Own Policy and at the Expense of the Foundation

Mr. Parker advised that a gift of art or purchase of art funded by a donor might be held by the Fine Arts Museums Foundation at the donor’s direction.  The Foundation currently holds full or partial title to certain works of art and, from time to time, holds works of art on loan to the Foundation.  The artworks held by the Foundation are placed on loan to the Fine Arts Museums for exhibition and educational purposes.

In the case of loss to artworks owned by or on loan to the Fine Arts Museums, the City’s insurance policy first covers loss associated with loans of artworks to the Museums for exhibition and educational purposes, and then covers loss to the permanent collection.  In order to adequately protect the Museums’ permanent collection and the Foundation’s holdings, it is prudent for the Foundation to seek insurance coverage for works of art owned by or on loan to the Foundation through the City’s “pooled” insurance policy. 

The City maintains an insurance “pool” for works of art for the City’s Charitable Trust Departments, including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Asian Art Museum, which allows for advantageous pricing and breadth of coverage for their permanent collections and loans of artworks for exhibition and educational purposes.  The subsequent resolution authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums Foundation to seek insurance coverage for the works of art owned by or on loan to the Foundation through the City’s “pooled” insurance policy with its own policy at its expense.  The Foundation will also secure a bid for insurance coverage from another carrier for comparison purposes.  Mr. Parker will keep the Committee informed of developments.

The following resolution was introduced by Mr. Parker:

WHEREAS, The City of San Francisco maintains an insurance “pool” for works of art for the City’s Charitable Trust Departments, including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF) and the Asian Art Museum, which allows for advantageous pricing and breath of coverage for their permanent collections and loans of artworks for exhibition and educational purposes; and

WHEREAS, The Fine Arts Museums Foundation (Foundation) currently holds full or partial title to certain works of art and, from time to time, holds works of art on loan to the Foundation; and

WHEREAS, The artworks held by the Foundation are placed on loan to FAMSF for exhibition and educational purposes; and

WHEREAS, In the case of loss to artworks owned by or on loan to the City, the City’s insurance policy first covers loss associated with loans of artworks to the Museums for exhibition and educational purposes, and then covers loss to the permanent collection; and

WHEREAS, In order to adequately protect the Museums’ permanent collection and the Foundation’s holdings, the Foundation is requested and authorized to seek insurance coverage for works of art owned by or on loan to the Foundation through the City’s “pooled” insurance policy with its own Foundation policy coverage and at the expense of the Foundation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the FAMSF Board of Trustees does hereby authorize the Foundation to seek insurance coverage for works of art owned by or on loan to the Foundation through the City’s “pooled” insurance policy coverage with its own Foundation policy and at the expense of the Foundation.

On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimous to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1567.

C. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco to Enter into an Agreement with the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums (COFAM) Allowing COFAM to Receive and Disburse $3 Million in Proposition 40 (California Clear Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coast Protection Act of 2002) Funds from the State of California Distributed through the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department for de Young Museum Landscaping

Mr. Parker reported that the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF) was awarded $3 million in Proposition 40 funds for new de Young museum landscaping, which will be distributed to the Museums through the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department.  He noted that former San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr., was instrumental in helping to secure this Proposition 40 funding.  It was pointed out that the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums (COFAM) receives and distributes grant funds on behalf of FAMSF and serves as the developer of the new de Young museum.  The following resolution authorizes FAMSF to enter into an agreement with COFAM allowing COFAM to receive and disburse the $3 million in Proposition 40 funds for new de Young museum landscaping:

WHEREAS, On January 22, 2004 and on behalf of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF), the Board of Trustees of the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums (COFAM) adopted a resolution to submit a grant application for funds from the Urban Park Act of 2001 under the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coast Protection Act of 2002, Proposition 40; and

WHEREAS, Proposition 40 legislation has provided funds for grants to eligible applicants; and

WHEREAS, The FAMSF was awarded $3 million in Proposition 40 funds for the new de Young museum landscaping, which will be distributed to FAMSF through the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department; and

WHEREAS, COFAM receives and distributes grant funds on behalf of FAMSF and serves as the developer of the new de Young museum; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the FAMSF Board of Trustees does hereby authorize FAMSF to enter into an agreement with COFAM allowing COFAM to receive and disburse the $3 million in Proposition 40 funds (California Clear Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coast Protection Action of 2002) from the State of California distributed through the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department for new de Young museum landscaping; and, be it

FURHTER RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees expresses its appreciation to former Mayor of San Francisco, Willie L. Brown, Jr., for his efforts to help secure these funds for the new de Young museum landscaping.

On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimous to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1568.

D. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Acknowledging Funding Expended by the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums During the Period January 1 through March 31, 2005

Mr. Parker advised that the City’s Sunshine Ordinance requires the Fine Arts Museums to disclose the amount and source of all gifts received.  He presented the following resolution, which acknowledges funding expended by the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums for the period January 1 through March 31, 2005:

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 and to serve as the developer of the New de Young Museum; 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 $4,283,186 expended by the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums for operations and $12,007,730 for the New de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park during the period January 1 through March 31, 2005.

On motion, duly seconded, Trustee Morrow emphasized that the $12 million in private funding expended for the de Young during the previous quarter was truly extraordinary. There was no further discussion among the Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1569.

E. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Acknowledging a Bequest of Funds Received During the Period January 1 through March 31, 2005

In accordance with the City’s Sunshine Ordinance, bequests received by the Fine Arts Museums must also be disclosed.  Mr. Parker introduced the following resolution acknowledging a bequest of funds received by the Museums during the period January 1 through March 31, 2005:

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco does hereby acknowledge the following bequest of funds received during the period January 1 through March 31, 2005:

The Mohr Family Trust, $724,999

On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among the Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1570.

F. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution to Transfer Funds in the Admission Fund for the Fiscal Year 2005-06

Mr. Parker introduced the following resolution to transfer funds in the admission fund for fiscal year 2005-06 to reimburse COFAM for expenses incurred on behalf of the Museums:

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco does hereby authorize the Controller of the City and County of San Francisco to transfer monthly excess revenue over monthly admission operating expenses in the Admission Fund (2S CRF RPD) Index Code 615001 to Project PFAADM, Index Code 615001 on a monthly basis for the fiscal year 2005-06; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the funds in project PFAADM are to be used to reimburse the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums for expenses incurred on behalf of the Museums.

On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among the Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1571.

G. Update on the City Budget

Mr. Parker advised that the Museums’ Fiscal Year 2005-06 City budget includes a proposal from the Mayor’s Budget Office to transfer the guards at the Asian Art Museum (AAM) to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF).  This change would place all civil service museum guards at FAMSF.  The City proposes that the AAM would enter into a contractual relationship with an outside provider of guardianship services.  It was pointed out that the Board of Supervisors has not favored contracting out of City labor services in the past.  However, if the proposal is accepted, the guardianship at FAMSF will be adequate to operate the new de Young.  Mr. Parker noted that the Museums’ City budget request for fiscal year 2005-2006 requires the City to make a significant financial commitment to open the de Young and secure its collections.   

H. Current and Future Exhibits

At the request of Mr. Parker, Renée Dreyfus, Curator of Ancient Art and Interpretation, discussed the inaugural exhibition at the new de Young, Hatshepsut:  From Queen to Pharaoh.  The exhibition highlights the art created during the almost twenty-year reign of female pharaoh Hatshepsut, beginning in 1479 BC.  Her reign defied long-established convention and was a period of immense artistic creativity.  She was accepted by her peers, and Eqypt flourished.  The 263 objects featured in the exhibition include royal statuary and relief, monumental sculpture representing members of the royal family, ceremonial objects, furniture, and jewelry from 23 museums around the world.  After her death, her name was attacked, and she was forgotten.   Hatshepsut:  From Queen to Pharaoh opens at the de Young on October 15^th and runs through February 5, 2006.

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.  The following individual gave public comment:

Tomasita Medál, founder of Keep the de Young in the Park, stated that she has strongly urged the Board to increase Trustee diversity on numerous occasions.  She made a number of requests:  1) funding of qualified curators, with academic credentials and indigenous heritage, from the cultures of the Americas, Oceania, and  the African galleries; 2) funding an American art curator of native American descent; 3) including representation of more contemporary artists of color; 4) returning Egypt to the African galleries as the culture of Egypt was a great black civilization of Africa; and 5) presenting labels for artworks in English, Spanish and Chinese.

There was no further public comment.

VI.

Meeting Schedule, Future Events and Current and Future Exhibits

A. 2005 Board of Trustees Meetings

B. 2006 Board of Trustees Meetings

C. Executive Committee Meetings

D. Future Events

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

VII.

Adjournment - Diane B. Wilsey, President

There being no further business, President Wilsey adjourned the meeting at
3:25 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.