|
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, October 14, 2004, 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. The meeting was called to order at 3:15 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
Alvin H. Baum, Jr.
Barbara B. Carleton
Carol W. Casey
Harrison S. Fraker, Jr.
Karen B. Francois
Elise Friedman
Dr. Rupert Garcia
Lauren Hall
Nion McEvoy
J. Alec Merriam, Vice President
Robert P. Morrow III
Marianne H. Peterson
Michael H. Podell
Louise H. Renne
Jeanne Robertson
Shelagh Rohlen, Vice President/Annual Support
Randolph R. Scott, Vice President/Audience Development and Civic Affairs
Burl A. Toler, Sr.
Lonna Wais
Nancy Willis
Diane B. Wilsey, President
On motion, duly seconded and carried unanimously, the following Trustees were excused:
Arlene Ackerman
Del M. Anderson
Shelby W. Bonnie
T. Robert Burke
Iris S. Chan
|
|
|
Barnaby Conrad III
Marion Moore Cope
Molly Murphy Crowley
John A. Friede
Richard N. Goldman
Nancy Hamon
Jacqueline Hoefer
Beverly James
Stephen L. Johnson
William R. Kimball
Diane B. Lloyd-Butler, Vice President/Marketing and Communications
Nancy McBean
Lorna F. Meyer
Josie Mooney
Joy Ou
Mara E. Rosales
George B. Saxe
Trevor D. Traina
Vivian Fei Tsen
Carlos Villa
David Winton
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:
Richard W. Goss II
George Hecksher
Gail Merriam
Steven MacGregor Read
Florence Sue Wong
|
|
III.
|
Report of the President – Diane B. Wilsey
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Consideration and Possible Action to Approve the Minutes of the September 23, 2004 Special Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees
There being no discussion among the Trustees or members of the public, the minutes of the special September 23, 2004 meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, having been mailed in advance to all Trustees, were unanimously approved. Because of the change in date from September 9, 2004 to September 23, 2004, the meeting was noticed as a special meeting of the Executive Committee.
|
|
|
B. Report on the Revised Guidelines for Collection Management and Acquisitions Policies of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Adoption of Principles and Guidelines on the Acquisition of the Archaeological Materials and Ancient Art Dated June 10, 2004 Published by the Association of Art Museum Directors, and Presentation of Recent Acquisitions - George Hecksher, Chair, Acquisitions Committee of The Fine Arts Museums Foundation
Chair Hecksher reported that the Acquisitions Committee at its September 20th meeting recommended the approval of two important policy documents, which are appended to the September 23, 2004 Executive Committee minutes noted above. The revised Guidelines for Collection Management and Acquisitions Policies of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco were adopted by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees at its meeting on September 23rd. These guidelines and policies update and replace the prior document adopted by the Board of Trustees in 1983.
The second policy statement, Principles and Guidelines on the Acquisition of Archaeological Materials and Ancient Art, was published by the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) on June 10, 2004. These principles and guidelines were drafted by an AAMD Task Force with representation from the Metropolitan Museum of Art; The Detroit Institute of Arts; J. Paul Getty Museum; Kimbell Art Museum; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and Art Institute of Chicago; among others. The AAMD statement balances museums’ obligations to preserve and provide public access to the world’s shared artistic heritage with the duty to collect responsibly and in a manner that will not encourage illicit excavation and trade. The Executive Committee also adopted these revised principles and guidelines on September 23rd, which replace the Principles to Ensure Legal, Moral, and Ethical Acquisitions Decisions, an appendix to the Museums’ 1983 Guidelines for Collection Management and Acquisitions Policies.
Chair Hecksher noted the recent acquisitions on view in the Board Room. At his request, Jennifer Williams Moore, Assistant Curator for the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, presented Shrine Figure or Bush Spirit with Seven Heads, 20th century, Ijo, Cross River Region, Nigeria, Africa. The arts of the Niger Delta are known for their assertiveness and include some of the most vibrant art traditions in all of Africa. The large scale of this piece makes it a particularly strong addition to the African gallery in the New de Young. Timothy Burgard, Curator of American Art, then discussed Superman, 1961, by Mel Ramos. This painting will provide the de Young with an early and significant Pop Art work from California. A Set of Liturgical Vestments: 1 chasuble, 2 dalmatics, 3 maniples, 1 burse, and 1 chalice veil not a part of the ensemble, end of 17th / beginning of 18th century, probably Louis XIV, was presented by Diane Mott, Curator of Textiles. The acquisition of the ensemble represented an exceptional opportunity for the Museums to add objects of exceptional beauty, rarity and historical importance to its permanent collection.
Chair Hecksher concluded his report noting that a Trustee and his wife and the Friends of New Art have generously agreed to fund a commission by Kiki Smith for the New de Young. The proposed sculpture consists of a bronze box-like form holding the images of Joanna and Abigail Mason from one of the de Young’s most famous paintings (David, Joanna, and Abigail Mason, ca. 1670, by Freake-Gibbs Painter).
|
|
|
C. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Honoring Morgan and Betty Flagg for Their Generosity in Support of the New de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and Naming the Morgan and Betty Flagg 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. The building of the New de Young Museum is rapidly progressing and is expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2004. In accordance with the Museums’ donor recognition policy, it is important at this time to recognize donors who have made significant gifts to the New de Young Museum and to name certain spaces in the Museum in their honor.
President Wilsey 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, Morgan and Betty Flagg have 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 Morgan and Betty Flagg Gallery of the New de Young Museum in honor of Morgan and Betty Flagg; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees expresses its lasting gratitude to Morgan and Betty Flagg 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, 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 1527.
|
|
|
D. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Honoring Diana Dollar Knowles and Gorham B. Knowles for Their Generosity in Support of the New de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and Naming the Diana Dollar Knowles and Gorham B. Knowles Gallery in the New de Young Museum
President Wilsey introduced 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, Diana Dollar Knowles and Gorham B. Knowles have 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 Diana Dollar Knowles and Gorham B. Knowles Gallery of the New de Young Museum in honor of Diana Dollar Knowles and Gorham B. Knowles; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees expresses its lasting gratitude to Diana Dollar Knowles and Gorham B. Knowles 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, 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 1528.
|
|
|
E. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Honoring The Moses and Ruth Helen Lasky Family for Their Generosity in Support of the New de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and Naming The Moses and Ruth Helen Lasky Family Gallery in the New de Young Museum
President Wilsey 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, The Moses and Ruth Helen Lasky Family has 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 Moses and Ruth Helen Lasky Family Gallery of the New de Young Museum in honor of The Moses and Ruth Helen Lasky Family; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees expresses its lasting gratitude to The Moses and Ruth Helen Lasky Family 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, 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 1529.
|
|
|
F. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Honoring Lonna and Marshall Wais for Their Generosity in Support of the New de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and Naming the Lonna and Marshall Wais Gallery in the New de Young Museum
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, Lonna and Marshall Wais have 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 Lonna and Marshall Wais Gallery of the New de Young Museum in honor of Lonna and Marshall Wais; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees expresses its lasting gratitude to Lonna and Marshall Wais 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, 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 1530.
|
|
|
G. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Honoring the T. B. Walker Foundation for Its Generosity in Support of the New de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and Naming the T. B. Walker Textile Education Room in the New de Young Museum
President Wilsey introduced 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 and organizations, 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, The T. B. Walker Foundation has generously provided funds for a Textile education room 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 T. B. Walker Foundation Textile Education Room of the New de Young Museum in honor of the T. B. Walker Foundation; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees expresses its lasting gratitude to the T. B. Walker Foundation for its 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, 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 1531.
|
|
IV.
|
Director’s Report – Harry S. Parker III
|
|
|
A. Report on the Opening of the New de Young Museum
1. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Setting AdmissionFees Effective October 15, 2005 for the de Young and Legion of Honor
Mr. Parker noted that the New de Young opens to the public on October 15, 2005, one year from tomorrow. In preparation for the opening, it is proposed that the Board of Trustees take action to set the general admission fees at the de Young and Legion of Honor effective October 15, 2005, and to approve the New de Young Operations Fact Sheet. In view of the lead-time required by various publications (guidebooks, hotel magazines, and local monthly publications), it is timely to address basic information about the New de Young.
Mr. Parker advised that the last increase in general admission fees occurred in 1999. The proposed increases in general admission rates for the de Young and Legion of Honor are competitive with those charged by other San Francisco cultural institutions. The increases were reviewed as follows: a) adults (18 to 64) from $8 to $10; seniors (65 and over) from $5 to $7; and youth (13 - 17 years old and college students with ID) from $5 to $6. A $3 admission fee for children 6 to 12 years old, previously admitted free of charge, was proposed; children 5 years old and under would continue to be admitted free of charge. The long-standing tradition of providing free days at the de Young (1st Tuesday of the month) and Legion (3rd Tuesday of the month) would be maintained, as well as a discount of $2 for visitors arriving by Muni. Free admission would continue to be extended to Fine Arts Museums members, school groups and leaders, disabled groups and leaders, San Francisco students with identification (public / private kindergarten through 12th grade), and guests of FAMSF and the American Association of Museums.
The following resolution was introduced:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees does hereby approve an increase in the general admission fees according to the following schedule at the de Young and Legion of Honor effective October 15, 2005:
Current Proposed Legion /
Legion Fees de Young Fees
Adults (18 - 64 years old) $8 $10
Seniors (65 or older) $5 $7
Youth (13 - 17 years old and college
students with ID) $5 $6
Children (6 - 12 years old) Free $3
Children (5 years old and
under) Free Free
1st Tuesday of Month at de
Young Free
3rd Tuesday of Month at
Legion Free
Muni visitor discount (fast
pass or transfer) $2 off $2 off
Fine Arts Museums Members, School Groups
and Leaders, Disabled Groups and Leaders,
S.F. public/private K-12 students with ID,
Guests of FAMSF and American Association
of Museums Free Free
Other discounts and free
periods set by Director of Museums
On motion, duly seconded, discussion ensued regarding the high cost of a family visit to the Museums and the feasibility of establishing a family admission rate. At the suggestion of Trustee Scott, staff was requested to review the financial implications of implementing a general admission family rate and an exhibition surcharge family rate. There was no further discussion among Trustees; there was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1532 with the understanding that the general admission fee schedule noted above and the surcharge for temporary exhibitions may be adjusted to include a family rate pending the review and recommendation of staff.
2. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt the New de Young Operations Fact Sheet
Mr. Parker noted that the New de Young Operations Fact Sheet sets forth basic information regarding the de Young, including the opening date, opening exhibition, museum address and contact information, museum hours, admission fees, ticket purchase, tour arrangements, disabled access, the stores, directions via public transit and by car, and access to the Concourse Authority garage. With regard to museum hours, it was pointed out that the de Young will remain open to the public until 8:45 p.m. on Friday evenings.
On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the New de Young Operations Fact Sheet, which is appended to these minutes.
3. Report on the New de Young Press Packet
The New de Young press kit was distributed to the Trustees. The press kit was developed to respond to an increasing number of press requests for information pertaining to the de Young. The content includes recent construction photographs, descriptions of the landmark building and landscape design, acquisitions and site-specific commissions, the inaugural exhibition, and the leadership and professional staff of the Museums and the de Young building project.
Mr. Parker particularly encouraged Trustees to read the press release entitled, “The New de Young: Exceptional Collections Illustrate Common Ground in a Building that Emphasizes Connections”. The Connections Gallery is situated at the intersection of the galleries for the de Young’s three primary departments – Textiles, Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and American Art. It will display works that aim to reinterpret traditional objects from the de Young’s collections within a contemporary framework. This Gallery emphasizes the concept that the arts of a diverse world have connections even if they are not chronological, geographical, or historical. The arts share a commonality, having been created by human artists speaking to human themes, and the aesthetics of symmetry, pattern, and proportion are somewhat universal. While the de Young will address the historical nature of the collections, it will also attempt to project a different theme, which stresses the global, universal, and common humanity of art in a building that emphasizes connections.
Trustee Fraker stated that this emphasis on the global nature of art and the common themes of humanity is of great interest to contemporary art historians and is prompting a re-writing of art history. He recommended that the Museums consider hosting an art and architectural symposium on this topic. Mr. Parker suggested that a symposium might be organized as part of the de Young opening activities.
Several revisions to the press kit will be made to correct a discrepancy in the address of the de Young; to add Robert Flynn Johnson, Curator of Prints and Drawings, to the listing of professional staff; and to accurately state the dates of the Elder Arts 2005 exhibition. Trustee Wais suggested that additional information regarding the setting of rates for the Concourse Authority Garage might be included in the press packet in the future.
|
|
|
B. 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, 2004
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 April 1 through June 30, 2004:
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 $4,499,318 expended by the Corporation of The Fine Arts Museums for operations and $23,334,344 for the New de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park during the period April 1 through June 30, 2004
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 1533.
|
|
|
C. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Acknowledging Bequests of Funds Received During the Period April 1 through June 30, 2004
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 of funds received by the Museums during the period April 1 through June 30, 2004:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco does hereby acknowledge the following bequests of funds received during the period April 1 through June 30, 2004:
Mildred Landstrom Trust, $19,344.97
The F. James Westfall Trust, $3,548.14
Eugene H. Gray and Stephanie S. Gray Irrevocable Trust, $4,984.57
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 1534.
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. Current and Future Exhibits
The Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya exhibition catalogue was distributed to Trustees. Mr. Parker noted that the catalogue was written, edited, and produced by the Fine Arts Museums, and that sales are strong. Although attendance has not yet met budget projections, the Maya exhibition has been well received by the community.
|
|
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. 2005 Board of Trustees Meetings
Date;Time;Location
Thursday, January 13;3 p.m.;Board Room, Legion of Honor
Thursday, April 14;3 p.m.;Board Room, Legion of Honor
Thursday, June 2;3 p.m.;Board Room, Legion of Honor
Thursday, October 20;3 p.m.; FAMily Room, de Young Museum
B. 2004 Executive Committee Meetings
Date;Time;Location
Thursday, November 11;noon;6th Floor, 233 Post Street / canceled
Thursday, December 9;noon;6th Floor, 233 Post Street
2005 Executive Committee Meetings
Date;Time;Location
Thursday, March 10;noon;233 Post Street, SF
Thursday, May 12;noon;233 Post Street, SF
Thursday, September 15;noon;FAMily Room, de Young Museum
Thursday, December 15;noon;FAMily Room, de Young Museum
C. Future Events
Date;Event
October 15-25, 2004;Museum Associates Trip to Italy
December 9, 2004;Elegant Evening in the Court of Honor
January 21, 2005;Opening of Bonjour Monsieur Courbet! The Bruyas
Collection from Montpellier
February 10, 2005;Tribal Arts Benefit
March 7 – 11, 2005;Bouquets to Art
April 28, 2005;Opening of Artwear: Fashion and Anti-Fashion*
October 15, 2005;Opening of the New de Young Museum
D. Current and Future Exhibitions (*Exhibitions organized by FAMSF)
Title;Date;Gallery
Textile Rotation – 18th Century Men’Suit*;07/03/04-10/31/04;3/9/9c/hall-case
Gottfried Helnwein: The Child*;07/31/04-11/28/04;1 and 2
Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya*;09/04/04-01/02/05;A-F/Rosekrans
Observations of the Spirit: The Sketchbooks of Judith Clancy, 1950-1990;09/18/04-01/16/05;Logan
Dia de los Muertos*;10/25/04-11/01/04;10, 12
Textile Rotation - Waistcoats*;11/06/04-05/01/05;3/9/9c/hall case
Bonjour Monsieur Courbet! The Bruyas Collection from Montpellier;01/22/05-04/03/05;B-F/Rosekrans
Herodian Temple Mount;01/29/05-04/30/05;F
Bouquets to Art;03/08/05-03/11/05;Legion, All
Artwear: Fashion and Anti-Fashion*;05/14/05-10/30/05;B-F/Rosekrans
Daughter of Re: Hatshepsut King of Egypt*;10/15/05-02/05/06;de Young, A-D
Jasper Johns: 45 Years of Master Prints;10/15/05-01/31/06;de Young Anderson
R. Crumb and Art History;*11/19/05-02/19/06;Legion/A-F/Rosekrans
|
|
VII.
|
Adjournment - Diane B. Wilsey, President
There being no further business, President Wilsey adjourned the meeting at 4:20 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.
|
