I.
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Calling of the Meeting to Order - Diane B. Wilsey, President
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The annual meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of
San Francisco was held on Thursday, April 11, 2002, in the Board Room of the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, San Francisco. A quorum was present that being one-third of the number of Trustees in office. The meeting was called to order at 3:15 p.m.
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II.
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Calling of the Roll
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The following Trustees were present:
Del M. Anderson
Cheryl H. Bancroft
Alvin H. Baum, Jr.
Alix Phillips Becker
Jamie Nicol Bowles
T. Robert Burke
Barbara B. Carleton
Barnaby Conrad III
Marion Moore Cope
Belva Davis, Vice President/Civic Affairs and Audience Development
Dagmar Dolby
Richard P. Essey
Richard H. Finn
Morgan Flagg
Constance Goodyear
George Hecksher
Stephen L. Johnson
Nancy McBean
Nion McEvoy
J. Alec Merriam, Vice President
Lorna F. Meyer
Marianne H. Peterson
Shelagh Rohlen, Vice President/Annual Support
Randolph R. Scott
Nancy Willis
Diane B. Wilsey, President
David Winton
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On motion, duly seconded and carried unanimously, the following Trustees were excused:
Iris S. Chan
Harrison S. Fraker, Jr.
Mara Fritz
Dr. Rupert Garcia
Richard N. Goldman
Nancy Hamon
Jacqueline Hoefer
Ann L. Johnson, M.D.
William R. Kimball
Diane B. Lloyd-Butler, Vice President/Marketing and Communications
Josie Mooney
Robert P. Morrow III, Vice President/Finance
Joy Ou
George B. Saxe
Vivian Fei Tsen
Carlos Villa
Lonna Wais
Margaret Wetzel
The following ex-officio Trustees were unable to be present:
Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr.
Gordon Chin, President, Recreation and Park Commission
Other Trustees in attendance were:
Robert J. Bransten
Nan Cook
Nancee Erickson
Leonard E. Kingsley
Sylvia Kingsley
Gail Merriam
Katharine Doyle Spann
William A. Stimson
Florence Sue Wong
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III.
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Report of the Nominating Committee - Nion McEvoy, Chair
A. Consideration and Possible Action to Elect the Following New Trustees to the Board of Trustees for an Initial Three Year Term
The nominees for election to the Board of Trustees for an initial term of three years to end in April 2005 were:
Arlene Ackerman
John A. Friede
Michael H. Podell
Louise H. Renne
On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among the Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to elect the nominees to initial three year terms to expire in April 2005.
B. Consideration and Possible Action to Elect the Following Honorary Trustees
The nominees for election as Honorary Trustees were:
Kathan Brown
Wayne Thiebaud
Phyllis C. Wattis
On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among the Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to elect the nominees as Honorary Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
C. Welcome New Trustees
Trustees John A. Friede, Michael H. Podell, and Louise H. Renne, and Honorary Trustee Phyllis C. Wattis joined the meeting and were welcomed by a round of applause. Trustee Arlene Ackerman and Honorary Trustees Kathan Brown and Wayne Thiebaud were unable to be present.
D. Consideration and Possible Action to Re-elect the Following Trustees to a Second Three Year Term
Cheryl H. Bancroft
T. Robert Burke
George Hecksher
(continued next page)
Robert P. Morrow III
Shelagh Rohlen
George Saxe
Vivian Fei Tsen
On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among the Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to elect the nominees to second terms of three years to expire in April 2005.
E. Consideration and Possible Action to Re-elect the Following Trustees to a Third Three Year Term
Barbara B. Carleton
Mara Fritz
Beverly James
Ann L. Johnson, M.D.
Stephen L. Johnson
Nancy McBean
J. Alec Merriam
Burl Toler, Sr.
On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among the Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to elect the nominees to third terms of three years to end in April 2005.
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F. Consideration and Possible Action to Elect the Following Vice Presidents to a Term of One Year1
The nominees for Vice President were:
Belva Davis, Vice President of Civic Affairs and Audience Development
Diane B. Lloyd-Butler, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
J. Alec Merriam, Vice President
Shelagh Rohlen, Vice President of Annual Support
On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among the Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to elect the nominees to one year terms to expire in April 2003.
G. Consideration and Possible Action to Elect the Following FAMSF Executive Committee Members to a Term of One Year
Alvin H. Baum, Jr.
Richard P. Essey
George Hecksher
Nion McEvoy
Robert P. Morrow III
Marianne Peterson
Randolph R. Scott
Lonna Wais
On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among the Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to elect the nominees to the FAMSF Executive Committee for terms of one year to expire in April 2003.
H. Consideration and Possible Action to Accept the Resignations of J. Burgess Jamieson (Nominated for Election to the Board of Trustees of The Fine Arts Museums Foundation) and Margaret Wetzel from the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among the Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept the resignations of J. Burgess Jamieson and Margaret Wetzel from the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. It was noted that the resignation of Mr. Jamieson was necessary in order for his name to be placed in nomination for a position on the Board of Trustees of The Fine Arts Museums Foundation.
I. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Setting the Number of Trustee Positions
Chair McEvoy read the following resolution:
WHEREAS, The San Francisco Charter, Section 5.105, provides for a variable number of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, The Charter sets the number of Trustees at no more than sixty-two, with the exact number to be set by the Board of Trustees from time to time; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of
San Francisco does hereby set the number of Trustees at fifty-three until such number is changed by this Board.
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J. Report on Change in Procedure for Election to Trustee Emeritus Status
Under Consideration by the Nominating Committee
Chair McEvoy reported that the Nominating Committee is considering a change in procedure for the election of Trustees to emeritus status. In the past, Trustees have been nominated for Emeritus Status at the time they have completed their terms as Trustees and rotated off the Board. Election to emeritus status should reflect continued commitment to the Museums. It has been suggested that following a period of one year after a Trustee has rotated off the Board, he/she may be considered for emeritus status based on specific criteria to be established.
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IV.
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Closed Session for Conference with Legal Counsel for Existing Litigation
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
People for a New de Young vs. the City and County of San Francisco, the City and County of San Francisco Board of Supervisors, San Francisco Planning Department, San Francisco Planning Commission, San Francisco Park and Recreation Department, San Francisco Park and Recreation Commission, Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority, and the Corporation of The Fine Arts Museums, a Corporation, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Filed with The Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of San Francisco on February 5, 2002, Case Number CPF-02-500598
President Wilsey advised that on February 5, 2002 a petition challenging the
Notice of Determination and certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report for the New de Young Museum was filed by the People for the New de Young with the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of San Francisco against the City and County of San Francisco, the City and County of San Francisco Board of Supervisors,
San Francisco Planning Department, San Francisco Planning Commission, San Francisco Park and Recreation Department, San Francisco Park and Recreation Commission, Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority, the Corporation of The Fine Arts Museums, a corporation, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and Does 1 through 20.
President Wilsey welcomed Deputy City Attorneys Adine Varah and Kate Stacy, who were present to discuss the existing litigation with the Board of Trustees in closed session.
A. Public Comment on All Matters Pertaining to the Closed Session
President Wilsey stated that public comment would be taken at this time on all matters pertaining to the closed session before the Board of Trustees votes to convene in closed session. There was no public comment.
B. Vote on Whether to Hold Closed Session to Confer with Legal Counsel
[San Francisco Administrative Code Section 67.10(d)]
A motion to convene in closed session was made and seconded. There was no discussion among Trustees or members of the public. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to convene in closed session. All staff with the exception of Harry Parker, Judy Gough, Deborah Frieden and Carolyn Macmillan, and all members of the public were excused from the Board Room.
C. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 and
San Francisco Administrative Code Section 67.10(d)
President Wilsey called the closed session to order and introduced Adine Varah and Kate Stacy, Deputy City Attorneys, who specifically addressed the legal issues raised by the litigation.
D. Return to Open Session
1. Possible Report on Action Taken in Closed Session [Government Code Section 54957.1(a)(2) and San Francisco Administrative Code Section 67.12(b)(2)]
President Wilsey reported that no action was taken by the Board of Trustees during the closed session, and that the City Attorney’s Office has advised that it will proceed to defend the litigation.
2. Vote to Elect Whether to Disclose Any or All Discussions Held in Closed Session [San Francisco Administrative Code Section 67.12(a)]
The Board of Trustees voted unanimously not to disclose any of the discussion held in closed session.
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V.
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Report of the President - Diane B. Wilsey
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A. Consideration and Possible Action to Approve the Minutes of the March 14, 2002 Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees
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There being no discussion among the Trustees or members of the public, the minutes of the March 14, 2002 meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, having been mailed in advance to all Trustees, were unanimously approved.
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B. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution to Approve the Report of the Acquisitions Committee of The Fine Arts Museums Foundation of March 28, 2002; Including Accepting the Works of Art Acquired through Purchase, Donation, and Bequest as Gifts from The Fine Arts Museums Foundation; Approving the Resolution Waiving Second Step Deaccessioning for the Coins and Medals Presented on March 28, 2002; Approving the Works of Art Recommended for Second Step Deaccessioning; and Approving the Disposal of Three Unsolicited, Abandoned Objects - J. Alec Merriam, Chair and Vice President
1. Purchases - Acceptance of Gifts of Works of Art from The Fine Arts Museums Foundation
At the request of Chair Merriam, Renée Dreyfus, Curator of Ancient Art, discussed Anthropoid Coffin, Dynasty 30 to early Ptolemaic Period, Egyptian, probably from Tuna
el Gebel. Tim Burgard, Curator of American Art, presented a second major acquisition, Untitled XX, 1977, by Willem de Kooning, which was also recommended for purchase by the Acquisitions Committee. Trustees were encouraged to view this painting temporarily installed in Gallery 19 at the Legion of Honor. Both of these works of art, listed as Items 2 and 3 on page 1 of Appendix I of these minutes, are proposed for the New de Young Museum and have been made possible through the generosity of two Trustees. Their support of the New de Young Museum was recognized with a heartfelt round of applause.
A motion was made and seconded to approve and accept the purchases listed as Items 1 through 36 on pages 1 through 4 of Appendix I of these minutes as gifts to the Museums offered by The Fine Arts Museums Foundation. There was no discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve and accept these purchases.
2. Gifts Offered to the Museums
Chair Merriam particularly noted the following gifts: 1) a major sculpture by Henry Moore, Working Model for Sheep Piece, 1971; 2) an additional 10% interest in
Two Piece Reclining Figure No. 9, 1968, by Henry Moore; 3) Designs for Textiles by Bianchini-Férier and Raoul Dufy consisting of approximately 1,000 original works; and
4) Sitting rug (khagangma), Tibet; Woman’s lower body wrapper (hta-mein), Burma;
and Prayer mat, Mauritania.
A motion was made and seconded to approve and accept the gifts offered to the Museums. There was no discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve and accept the gifts offered to the Museums listed on pages 5 through 8 of Appendix I of these minutes.
3. Bequests Offered to the Museums
Curator Burgard presented Afternoon in the Cluny Garden, 1889, by Charles
Courtney Curran, which was on view at the meeting. This painting was bequeathed to the de Young Museum for its Rockefeller Collection.
A motion was made and seconded to approve and accept, or decline, the works of art bequeathed to the Museums listed on page 9 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 and accept, or decline, the works of art bequeathed to the Museums.
4. Resolution Waiving Second Step Deaccessioning for the Coins and Medals Presented for Deaccessioning on March 28, 2002
Chair Merriam reported that a number of coins and medals no longer suitable to the permanent collection were proposed for deaccessioning at the March 28, 2002 Acquisitions Committee meeting. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution approving first step deaccessioning for the coins and medals and amending prior resolutions waiving second step deaccessioning by the Acquisitions Committee at its meetings on September 26, 2000, December 1, 2000, April 20, 2001, and June 1, 2001, to include the March 28, 2002 meeting. There was no discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the resolution on page 10 of Appendix I of these minutes waiving second step deaccessioning for the coins and medals recommended for first step deaccessioning as listed on page 11 of Appendix I of these minutes.
5. Deaccessioning - Step 2
A motion to approve second step deaccessioning was made and seconded for the works of art listed on page 11 of Appendix I of these minutes as follows: a) American Art, 1 page; and b) European Art, 1 page. There was no discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve second step deaccessioning for the works of art listed on page 11 of Appendix I of these minutes.
6. Disposal of Three Unsolicited, Abandoned Objects
A motion to dispose of three unsolicited, abandoned objects was made and seconded. There was no discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve of the disposal of three unsolicited, abandoned objects listed on page 12 of Appendix I of these minutes.
7. Purchases Reported for the Record
These objects are listed on pages 13 through 15 of Appendix I of these minutes.
Chair Merriam presented the following resolution:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of
San Francisco does hereby approve the appended March 28, 2002 Report of the Acquisitions Committee of The Fine Arts Museums Foundation including the works of art acquired through purchase, donation, and bequest as gifts from The Fine Arts Museums Foundation; the resolution waiving second step deaccessioning for the coins and medals presented on March 28, 2002; the works of art recommended for second step deaccessioning; and the disposal of three unsolicited, abandoned objects.
A motion was made and 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 1406.
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C. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Designating the Initial and Future Distributions from the Cornelia Myers Cogsdell 1998 Trust to the New de Young Fund of The Fine Arts Museums Foundation
Mr. Parker advised that the Fine Arts Museums had been named as a beneficiary in the Cornelia Myers Cogsdell 1998 Trust to receive five percent of the residue of the Trust for its Asian art section. It has been confirmed with Barbara Prebilich, Successor Trustee of the Cornelia Myers Cogsdell 1998 Trust, that the decedent intended this bequest for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
The following resolution was introduced:
WHEREAS, The building of a New de Young Museum in Golden Gate
Park is the highest institutional priority for the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco; and
WHEREAS, In February 2001, the Museums were informed by Barbara Prebilich, Successor Trustee of the Cornelia Myers Cogsdell 1998 Trust, that Cornelia Myers Cogsdell had named the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco located in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, for the Asian art section, as a beneficiary; and
WHEREAS, On March 28, 2002, an initial distribution in the amount of $25,000 was received from the Trust; and
WHEREAS, Additional distributions from the Cornelia Myers Cogsdell 1998 Trust will be received in the future; and
WHEREAS, The Director of Museums has recommended, with the concurrence of the Successor Trustee of the Cornelia Myers Cogsdell 1998 Trust, that the $25,000 initial distribution from the Cornelia Myers Cogsdell 1998 Trust and any future distributions be designated for the New de Young Fund of The Fine Arts Museums Foundation for the New de Young facilities relating to Asian art; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of
San Francisco does hereby designate the initial distribution of $25,000 from the Cornelia Myers Cogsdell 1998 Trust and any additional distributions to the New de Young Fund of The Fine Arts Museums Foundation for the New de Young facilities relating to Asian art; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees recognizes the extraordinary generosity of Cornelia Myers Cogsdell with profound appreciation.
A motion was made and 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 1407.
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D. Report on Recent Developments Regarding the Plans to Build a New
de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park
On March 18, 2002, the demolition of the de Young Museum buildings in Golden Gate Park commenced. Photographs of the demolition were circulated. Mr. Parker advised that the sculptures surrounding the de Young Museum have been safely removed for storage in the Museums’ warehouse. The turtles from the Pool of Enchantment were relocated to a turtle rescue center in the East Bay. The palm trees will be removed beginning May 1st and stored in Golden Gate Park in their own nursery setting created by the Recreation and Park Department. Each tree weighs approximately ten tons. The stones comprising the Pool of Enchantment, which is considered an adornment to the de Young Museum building, are being carefully dismantled and preserved. It is planned to incorporate the stones and sculptures into the Garden of Enchantment of the New de Young Museum.
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E. FAMSF Fast Facts
Updated wallet cards containing basic FAMSF facts dated April 12, 2002 pertaining to attendance, membership, budget, endowment, acquisitions, school group visitors, employees, trustees, and volunteers/docents were distributed.
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VI.
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Director’s Report - Harry S. Parker III
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A. Consideration and Possible Action to Approve a Loan Request
Mr. Parker presented the following loan request:
From: The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago: June 16 - September 19, 2004
Georges Seurat (French, 1859 - 1891)
Study for the painting La Parade, 1888
Study for "La Parade de Cirque" Clowns, 1886 - 1887
Black crayon on laid paper
Sheet: 233 x 308 mm (9 3/16 x 12 1/8 in.)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Museum Purchase, Archer M. Huntington Fund
1947.1
Stipulations: The work of art will be accompanied by a FAMSF courier to and from Chicago. All related expenses will be paid by the requesting organization.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the loan request noted above. 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.
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B. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Acknowledging Funding Expended by the Corporation of The Fine Arts Museums During the Period October 1 through December 31, 2001
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 October 1 through December 31, 2001:
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 $3,462,149 expended by the Corporation of The Fine Arts Museums for operations and $2,871,097 for the New de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park during the period October 1 through December 31, 2001.
A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. 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 1408.
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C. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Acknowledging Bequests Received by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco for the Period October 1 through December 31, 2001
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 the bequests received by the Museums for the period October l through December 31, 2001:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of
San Francisco does hereby acknowledge with gratitude the following bequests received during the period October 1 through December 31, 2001:
Estate of Arthur Foulds, $2,018.49
Samuel Untermyer Charitable Remainder Unitrust, $52,168.35
A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. 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 1409.
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D. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Consenting to the Amendment of the Bylaws of the Corporation of The Fine Arts Museums to Provide for a Variable Number of Trustees Serving on the Executive Committee of the Corporation of The Fine Arts Museums
Mr. Parker advised that the current Bylaws of the Corporation of The Fine Arts Museums (COFAM) require that the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums provide written consent to proposed amendments to the COFAM Bylaws. Furthermore, the current COFAM Bylaws set the number of trustees serving on the COFAM Executive Committee at fifteen. In the future, should the COFAM Board of Trustees elect to increase the number of trustees serving on the COFAM Executive Committee, approval of the proposed amendment would permit this to occur.
The following resolution was presented by Mr. Parker:
WHEREAS, The composition of the Executive Committee of the Corporation of The Fine Arts Museums (COFAM) is set at fifteen Trustees as stipulated in Article IV, Section 12, c., of the Bylaws of the Corporation of The Fine Arts Museums; and
WHEREAS, At its April 11, 2002 meeting, the COFAM Board of Trustees may vote to elect additional Trustees to serve on the Executive Committee such that the total number of Trustees serving on the Executive Committee may be greater than fifteen; and
WHEREAS, The Bylaws may only be amended with the approval of the COFAM Board of Trustees and the written consent of the Board of Trustees 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 give its written consent to amend Article IV, Section 12, c., of the COFAM Bylaws as follows:
(c) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.2
(1) Composition. This Corporation shall have an Executive Committee composed of at least fifteen Trustees, the exact number to be set by the Corporation’s Board of Trustees from time to time. The President and each Vice President of this Corporation and the members of the Executive Committee of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco shall be members of the Committee. Other members shall be elected annually by this Corporation’s Board of Trustees.
A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. 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 1410.
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E. Announcement of the 2001 McNeil Volunteer Recognition Award
1. Announcement of the Two Recipients of the 2001 McNeil
Volunteer Recognition Award
Mr. Parker acknowledged Carole and Robert McNeil, who generously renewed `their support of the McNeil Volunteer Recognition Award Program for a fourth year. The program has presented an innovative opportunity to recognize the achievements of many individuals, who support the Museums on a voluntary basis. This year, the nominations were reviewed by a committee chaired by Carole and Robert McNeil and consisting of members Constance Goodyear, J. Alec Merriam, Jack Byers, Phyllis Scaduto, Tim Burgard and Sheila Pressley.
The recipients of the 2001 McNeil Volunteer Recognition Award are: 1) Martha and Robert Olson, volunteers since approximately 1982 and 1987, respectively; and 2) Margaret "Peggy" Gordon, a docent for more than ten years. Mr. Parker presented Martha and Robert Olson and Peggy Gordon with a replica of the Small Hand by Auguste Rodin.
2. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt Two Resolution Honoring the Recipients of the 2001 McNeil Volunteer Recognition Award and Approval of the Projects Proposed by the Recipients for $25,000 in Funding
Mr. Parker read the following resolution honoring Martha and Robert Olson:
WHEREAS, Martha and Robert Olson have a long and impressive record of volunteer service to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco; and
WHEREAS, For more than twenty years, Mrs. Olson has been a devoted Museums volunteer; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Olson joined his wife as a volunteer in 1987, and together they organized and supervised the volunteer staffing for nearly every special event over the past fifteen years, including those sponsored by the Docent and Volunteer Councils, and the Membership, Education, and Development departments; and
WHEREAS, As Co-Captains for Special Events, Mr. and Mrs. Olson have made countless telephone calls organizing the volunteer staffing year after year for receptions for members and donors, symposia, lectures, concerts, and special audience development/civic affairs programs totaling as many as SEVENTY events in a year; and
WHEREAS, They continue their volunteer work together, distinguishing themselves as a notable two-of-a-kind; and
WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Olson both have full-time careers making their commitment to the Museums even more remarkable; and
WHEREAS, It is not uncommon for the Olsons to volunteer an entire weekend day and night at the Museums, beginning with an education event during the day and ending with a membership event in the evening; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Olson is a special education teacher who works with severely handicapped and disabled children; and
WHEREAS, "Martha’s Kids" have been recognized for their years of service as volunteers providing custodial support at the de Young Museum; and
WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Olson are referred to as "shining stars", who inspire others with their spirit of volunteerism and the good will they extend to all they come in contact with; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of
San Francisco does hereby express its heartfelt gratitude to Martha and Robert Olson for their extraordinary service as volunteers for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
Following a standing ovation acknowledging Mr. and Mrs. Olson’s exceptional volunteer efforts, a motion was made and seconded to adopt the above resolution.
There was no discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1411. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Mr. and Mrs. Olson’s proposal to designate their $25,000 award towards the establishment of a McNeil/Olson Volunteer Council Challenge Fund to provide funds for projects submitted by Museum departments for unique, worthy causes.
WHEREAS, Margaret "Peggy" Gordon has been a tireless advocate of the Fine Arts Museums’ educational mission for over ten years, devoting a minimum of three days a week to the Museums; and
WHEREAS, She continues to actively participate as a member of the Docent
Council, Textile Arts Council, Achenbach Graphic Arts Council, American Decorative
Arts Council, and Ceramics Circle; and
WHEREAS, Her ability and enthusiasm to conduct tours of the collections of American Art, Ancient Art, Ceramics, European Art, Prints and Drawings, and Textiles speak to her comprehensive knowledge of the Museums’ collections; and
WHEREAS, She has served in numerous leadership roles including WES (Western Art) Docent Vice Chair, membership on the WES Docent Council and Textiles Arts Council Boards, Textiles Acquisitions Committee, and other advisory committees; and
WHEREAS, As the Advanced Training Chair, Ms. Gordon was responsible for
planning and scheduling weekly educational lectures and activities for WES docents, and
as WES School Docent Coordinator, she continues to schedule docents for all requested
western art school tours of the permanent collection and special exhibitions; and
WHEREAS, During her tenure as WES Chair from 1999-2001, she implemented a
western art training program for Africa, Oceania and the Americas docents; and
WHEREAS, As a WES docent, Ms. Gordon is essential to the Community Speakers Program, providing slide lectures about the permanent collections and special exhibitions to the community, while traveling throughout the Bay Area on public transit; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Gordon organized "Midnight Mystery Tour" as part of the events on December 31, 2000, commemorating the closing the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum; and
WHEREAS, She established an outreach program to bring images of the de Young Museum’s American painting collection to fifth grade classes thereby enabling the core art appreciation curriculum for fifth grade students in the San Francisco Unified School District, which previously included a class visit to the de Young Museum, to continue after the Museum closed to the public on January 1, 2001; and
WHEREAS, As chair of the Textile Arts Council from 1997-2000, she initiated
and continues to coordinate the fund-raising effort for the New de Young Textiles Study Center, having raised over $340,000 to date; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Gordon is described by her peers as leading by example, eternally optimistic, and boundless in her enthusiasm and total devotion to 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 express its heartfelt gratitude to Margaret "Peggy" Gordon for her extraordinary service to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
The Board of Trustees recognized Ms. Gordon with a standing ovation. 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 1412. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Ms. Gordon’s proposal to designate her $25,000 award towards the digital imaging of Textiles holdings in the permanent collection.
Carole and Robert McNeil were acknowledged by the Board of Trustees with a round of applause. Mr. Parker reported that the McNeil awards had been planned in conjunction with National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, 2002. The five institutions participating in the McNeil Volunteer Recognition Award Program (KQED, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Symphony, and the Fine Arts Museums) have jointly organized a press conference on Thursday, April 18th, at 3:30 p.m., at City Hall. Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. will recognize the outstanding volunteers from each of the institutions.
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F. Report on the Development of a Memorandum of Understanding and Affiliation Between the Museum Victoria (Melbourne, Australia) and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Mr. Parker reported that he traveled to Australia to meet with representatives from the Museum Victoria in Melbourne to execute a Memorandum of Understanding and Affiliation between that organization and the Fine Arts Museums. The agreement encourages appropriate research and promotes exchanges of exhibitions, professional staff, information, and loans of works of art between the two institutions. The agreement is a result of the Museums’ relationship with Baillieu Myer and Carrillo Gantner and The Gantner Myer Collection of Australian Aboriginal Art. Spirit Country: Australian Aboriginal Art from The Gantner-Myer Collection, was exhibited at the Legion of Honor from September 18, 1999 through January 9, 2000.
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G. Report on Discussions Between the San Francisco Symphony and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Regarding the Use of the Guarnerius Violin
Mr. Parker advised that discussions are ongoing with the San Francisco Symphony, regarding the possibility of a loan of the Guarnerius violin to the Symphony. He pointed out that the Music Advisory Task Force, which oversees the Museums’ music program,
has expressed concern that the 1742 Guarnerius del Gesu violin should be played more than several times a year in an effort to keep the violin vibrant as an instrument. Also, the Task Force has been interested for some time in developing a strong chamber music program at the Florence Gould Theater in the Legion of Honor. Recently, the San Francisco Symphony approached the Museums regarding the possibility of a loan of the Guarnerius to the Symphony to be played only by Concertmaster Alexander Barantschik. In return, the Symphony would organize a chamber music series of four to six performances a year in the Florence Gould Theater.
Mr. Parker stated that the loan is proposed for a trial period of three years with the violin returning to the Museums for exhibition no fewer than eight consecutive weeks each summer. A full understanding of how the Guarnerius will be insured and stored between concerts and during transit are critical factors. Mr. Parker discussed the terms of the bequest made by Jascha Heifetz. In his holographic will, Mr. Heifetz stated that the Guarnerius may be played on special occasions by worthy performers. In consultation with legal counsel, it has been determined that a court order should be obtained to confirm that the loan would be in keeping with the terms of the bequest and to assist the Museums in reaching a final decision to loan the Guarnerius to the Symphony.
Several Trustees questioned the advisability of allowing the Guarnerius to travel with Concertmaster Alexander Barantschik on tour. It was noted, however, that it is common for valuable instruments to routinely travel with musicians. Mr. Parker advised that the Museums’ insurer will be consulted regarding requirements to be added to the loan agreement setting forth security provisions when the Guarnerius is in transit.
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H. Update on the City Budget
Mr. Parker reported that this year the Board of Supervisors has assumed greater responsibility for review of the Fiscal Year 2002-03 City Budget. The general economic slowdown and the decrease in tourism following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks have impacted the Fiscal Year 2002-03 City Budget, and the majority of the City departments are required to cut their budgets by ten percent. The cultural organizations are largely exempted from additional budget cuts in Fiscal Year 2002-03 in view of the significant reductions imposed in mid-Fiscal Year 2001-02.
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I. Current and Future Exhibits
At the request of Mr. Parker, Lynn Orr, Curator of European Paintings, discussed the exhibition, Michael Sweerts, 1618-1664: Flemish Master of the Sacred and Profane, which will open at the Legion of Honor on June 15th and runs through August 15, 2002.
Michael Sweerts was born in Brussels in 1618 and spent the better part of a decade in Rome early in his career before returning to Belgium and then moving to Amsterdam, where he was a contemporary of Rembrandt and Vermeer. He later ventured beyond Europe, journeying to the Middle East in 1661, where he died in 1664. Sweerts’ paintings are a unique blend of diverse artistic trends - North European and Italian, realistic and classical. This exhibition comes to the Legion of Honor after its successful venue at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
At the June meeting of the Board of Trustees, Renée Dreyfus, Curator of Ancient Art, will discuss the exhibition, Eternal Egypt: Masterworks of Ancient Art from The British Museum, which opens at the Legion of Honor on August 10th and runs through November 11, 2002.
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VII.
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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 the total comment to thirty minutes.
Public comment was received from one individual:
Gabrielle Goffinet - San Francisco Resident. Expressed appreciation for keeping the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and for what has been preserved of the present de Young site. You are planning to build a new architect’s museum, not a new "people’s museum." A stone rather than copper façade is preferable. The New de Young’s copper, flatness and three fingered design with twisting tower does not have any geometric or symbolic link to the City or blend in with the Concourse. An obelisk-like tower, centrally located, would be better. Please respect the vast majority of public opinion and build a dignified, stately new de Young with a central tower that reflects the Concourse and
San Francisco’s heritage.
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VIII.
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Meeting Schedule, Future Events and Current and Future Exhibits
A. Executive Committee Meetings
Date Time Location
May 9, 20023 noon 6th Floor, 233 Post Street
September 12, 2002 noon 6th Floor, 233 Post Street
November 14, 2002 noon 6th Floor, 233 Post Street
December 12, 2002 noon 6th Floor, 233 Post Street
B. Board of Trustees Meetings
June 13, 2002 3 p.m. Board Room, Legion of Honor
October 10, 2002 3 p.m. Board Room, Legion of Honor
C. Future Events
Date Event
May 8, 2002 Yves St. Laurent Store Opening Benefit
May 16, 2002 Annual Luncheon
June 13, 2002 Opening of Michael Sweerts, 1618-1664: Flemish Master of the Sacred and Profane August 8, 2002 Opening of Eternal Egypt: Masterworks of Ancient Art from The British Museum
D. Current and Future Exhibitions (*Exhibitions organized by FAMSF)
Title Date Gallery
Richard Diebenkorn: Clubs and Spades* 01/19/02-04/28/02 Legion A
A toute épreuve: An Artists Book 01/26/02-05/19/02 Legion L
Masterpiece by Joan Miró
Masterworks of New Guinea Art: 02/02/02-06/30/02 Legion 6
Selections from The Marcia
and John Friede Collection*
Dreaming with Open Eyes: Dada and 02/02/02-04/28/02 Legion B-F
Surrealist Art from the Vera, Silvia, Rosekrans
and Arturo Schwarz Collection
in the Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Recent Acquisitions of Contemporary 03/09/02-06/23/02 Legion 1
Works on Paper, Part II: Everywhere
but California*
Logan Book Gallery 05/25/02-09/15/02 Legion L
Michael Sweerts, 1618-1664: Flemish 06/1502-08/25/02 Legion 6
Master of the Sacred and Profane*
Eternal Egypt: Masterworks of Ancient 08/10/02-11/11/02 Legion A-F,
Art from The British Museum Rosekrans 10
Philip Guston* 10/12/02-01/00/03 Legion 1
Hard Edge: Abstract Prints from Albers 11/30/02-03/23/03 Legion A
to Held*
Casting a Spell: Winslow Homer, Artist 12/07/02-02/09/03 Legion B-F,
and Angler* Rosekrans
Title Date Gallery
Leonardo da Vinci and The Splendor of 03/08/03-05/18/03 Legion B-F,
Poland Rosekrans
Bouquets to Art 03/11/03-03/14/03 Legion All
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IX.
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Adjournment - Diane B. Wilsey, President
There being no further business, President Wilsey adjourned the meeting at 5:00 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.
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