FINE ARTS MUSEUMS OF SAN FRANCISCO
Executive Committee
Board of Trustees
February 11, 1999
Call to Order
A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of
San Francisco was held on Thursday, February 11, 1999, in the 6th Floor Conference Room of the
Museums’ Administrative Offices at 233 Post Street, San Francisco. A quorum being present, the
meeting was called to order at 12:10 p.m. by Mrs. Alfred S. Wilsey, President. President Wilsey
presided; Mrs. Gough acted as Secretary.
Roll Call
Present:
Alvin H. Baum, Jr.
Ms. Frankie Jacobs Gillette, Vice President/Civic Affairs
David M. Jamison, Vice President/Audience Development
Mrs. Alfred S. Wilsey, Chairman
Frank Montgomery Woods
Excused:
Mrs. Ray Dolby, Vice President/Annual Support
Richard P. Essey
Richard P. Finn, Vice President/Finance
J. Burgess Jamieson
Nion McEvoy
J. Alec Merriam, Vice President/Collections
Steven MacGregor Read, Vice President/Facilities
Other Trustees in Attendance:
Mrs. Ransom S. Cook
Charles Crocker
Richard W. Goss II
David R. Hoyer
-2456-
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
February 11, 1999
Report of the President - Mrs. Alfred S. Wilsey
A.
Consideration and Possible Action to Approve the Minutes of the January 14,
1999 Meeting of the Board of Trustees
There being no discussion among the Trustees or members of the public, the
minutes of the January 14, 1999 meeting of the Board of Trustees, having been mailed in
advance to all Trustees, were unanimously approved.
B.
Consideration and Possible Action to Accept the Report of the Acquisitions
Committee of January 22, 1999 - J. Alec Merriam, Chair and Vice President
of Collections
In the absence of Chair Merriam, Chief Curator Steve Nash presented the following
report.
1.
Purchases - Request to The Fine Arts Museums Foundation for Gifts
of Works of Art
Dr. Nash highlighted Item 2 on page 2468 of Appendix I of these minutes.
Well known African American sculptor, Elizabeth Catlett, has been commissioned by the
Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Art Fund, Inc., a foundation established to support art
acquisitions, to create a sculpture for the Fine Arts Museums. The Museums, the
recipient of the first $25,000 grant from the Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Art Fund, Inc., will be
required to match the grant. The sculpture will be made of Guatemalan mahogany.
RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums
of San Francisco does hereby request The Fine Arts Museums Foundation to
acquire as gifts to the Museums the objects listed in Appendix I, as Items 1
through 4, on pages 2468 and 2469 of these minutes; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the President or Acting President of
the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is authorized to accept the gifts
offered by The Fine Arts Museums Foundation.
A motion to adopt the above resolution was made and seconded. There was no
discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted
unanimously to adopt the resolution as Board Resolution 1289.
-2457-
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
February 11, 1999
B.
Consideration and Possible Action to Accept the Report of the Acquisitions
Committee of January 22, 1999 - J. Alec Merriam, Chair and Vice President
of Collections (continued)
2.
Gift Offered to the Museums
A motion to approve the gift offered to the Museums was made and seconded.
There was no discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of
Trustees voted unanimously to approve with sincere thanks to the donor the gift offered
to the Museums as listed in Appendix I, page 2470 of these minutes contingent upon the
purchase of Item 3 on page 2468 of Appendix I of these minutes (Book Settle by
Frederick H. Meyer, designer, and Stanley Kopersky, carver).
3.
Bequest from the Estate of Dorothy (Collins) van Tets
A motion to approve the resolution accepting four paintings and declining three
works of decorative art from this bequest was made and seconded. There was no discussion
among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously
to adopt the resolution listed in Appendix I, pages 2471 and 2472 of these minutes as Board
Resolution 1290.
4.
Purchases Reported for the Record
These objects are listed in Appendix I, pages 2473 to 2475 of these minutes.
5.
Update - Acquisition of the Limestone Relief: Stela of a Ruler, A.D. 671
Following nine months of effort to determine all issues connected with the
authenticity, attribution, and acquisition of the stela, the Board of Trustees of the Fine
Arts Museums authorized the purchase of the stela at its January 14, 1999 meeting. The
stela is being shipped to the Museums and will require a long period of conservation
upon its arrival. The acquisition of the stela represents a significant accomplishment for
the Museums and is due to the persistent and committed efforts of Harry S. Parker III,
Director of Museums, and Kathy Berrin, Curator of Africa, Oceania and the Americas.
6.
Promised Gift of an Oceanic Collection from John A. and Marcia Friede
Dr. Nash advised that John A. and Marcia Friede, members of the National Council
who reside in Rye, New York, have approached the Museums regarding a promised gift of
their collection of New Guinea art for the new de Young Museum. This collection is clearly
one of the best collections of tribal art in the world. Accompanying the promised gift is a
major pledge in support of the new de Young Museum building project and an intention to
-2458-
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
February 11, 1999
B.
Consideration and Possible Action to Accept the Report of the Acquisitions
Committee of January 22, 1999 - J. Alec Merriam, Chair and Vice President
of Collections (continued)
6.
Promised Gift of an Oceanic Collection from John A. and Marcia Friede
(continued)
provide an endowment for the collection. A full report including the conditions of this
promised gift will be presented at a future meeting of the Board of Trustees for action. Mr.
Parker noted that this promised gift is contingent upon the building of a new de Young
Museum.
7.
Promised Gift of a Textiles Collection from George Hecksher
A second, promised gift of an extraordinary textiles collection from George Hecksher
of San Francisco and New York City was also announced at the January 22nd meeting of the
Acquisitions Committee. The Hecksher textiles collection is distinguished by the rarity and
age of the objects such as 12th century Turkish kilim carpets and 8th century silks. This
promised gift is also accompanied by a significant pledge for the new de Young Museum.
The Board of Trustees will be requested to take action at a future meeting when a full report
is made, including the conditions of the promised gift. This promised gift is also contingent
upon the building of a new de Young Museum.
C.
Report on Recent Developments Regarding the Plans to Rebuild the de Young
Museum in Golden Gate Park
President Wilsey advised that there are no new developments to report at this time
regarding plans to build the underground parking facility in the Music Concourse in Golden
Gate Park. Civic leader Warren Hellman continues to organize the effort to revitalize
Golden Gate Park. It is anticipated that the Mayor will appoint the Concourse Authority
Board in the near future.
D.
Cancellation of the Executive Committee Meeting of the Board of Trustees on
March 11, 1999
It was announced that the March 11, 1999 meeting of the Executive Committee of
the Board of Trustees has been cancelled. President Wilsey noted that the next meeting of
the Board of Trustees, which is the annual meeting, is scheduled for Thursday, April 8,
1999, at 3 p.m., in Gallery 23 of the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum, Golden Gate
Park, San Francisco.
-2459-
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
February 11, 1999
E.
Other Informational Item
In the absence of Mrs. Philip E. Bowles III, Co-Chair of The Artists Ball II: Deep
Freeze, Barbara Boucke, Deputy Director for Development, provided the following
report. Deep Freeze, held on Saturday, January 30, 1999, at Yerba Buena Center for the
Arts, was a sold out event. The dinner and dance attracted a new audience for the
Museums with over 600 individuals attending the dinner and an additional 400 joining
the dance. Deep Freeze celebrated the collaboration between the Museums and Yerba
Buena Center and benefited both organizations. Approximately $75,000 in net proceeds
was raised to be split evenly between FAMSF and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
Report of the Director - Harry S. Parker III
A.
Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Loan Requests
Mr. Parker presented the following loan requests:
From:
Brooklyn Museum of Art
For:
Eastman Johnson: Painting America
Brooklyn Museum of Art: 10/29/1999 - 02/06/2000
San Diego Museum of Art: 02/25/2000-05/21/2000
Seattle Art Museum: 06/08/2000 - 09/10/2000
1.
Eastman Johnson, American, 1824-1906
The Pension Claim Agent, 1867
Oil on canvas, 25 ¼ x 37 3/8 (64.1 x 94.9 cm)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Mildred Anna Williams
Collection
1943.6 A311360
2.
Eastman Johnson, American, 1824-1906
The Brown Family, 1869
Oil on canvas, 38 ½ x 32 3/8 (97.8 x 82.2 cm)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John D.
Rockefeller 3rd
1979.7.67 A311362
Stipulations: The paintings will be accompanied by a FAMSF courier to Brooklyn and
return from Seattle. All related expenses are to be paid by requesting
organization.
*****
-2460-
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
February 11, 1999
A.
Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Loan Requests (continued)
From:
Brooklyn Museum of Art
For:
Impressionists in Winter: Effets de Neige
Brooklyn Museum of Art: 05/28/99 - 08/29/99
Camille Jacob Pissarro, French, 1830 - 1903
Snow Scene at Eragny (view of Bazincourt), 1884
Oil on canvas, 18 3/8 x 21 7/8 (46.7 x 55.6 cm)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of Renee M. Bransten
1962.20 A303292
Stipulations: The paintings will be accompanied by a FAMSF courier to and from
Brooklyn. All related expenses are to be paid by requesting organization.
*****
A motion was made and seconded to approve the above loans. There was no
discussion among the Trustees or members of the public. The Board of Trustees voted
unanimously to approve the loans subject to the conditions stated.
B.
2009
Report on Bay Area Art Museum Growth, 1990-1998, and Projections for
Mr. Parker presented a report on Bay Area art museum growth since 1990 and
projected growth through 2009. The report addresses attendance, building size, membership,
income, and operating budgets of the following Bay Area Museums: 1) Fine Arts
Museums of San Francisco; 2) Asian Art Museum; 3) San Francisco Museum of Modern
Art; 4) University of California Berkeley Art Museum; 5) San Jose Museum of Art; and the
6) Oakland Museum of California. All of these major museums are members of the
Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD). Smaller, non-AAMD museums (Jewish
Museum, Mexican Museum, Zeum, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts) were not included
in the report of museum growth since 1990 but were considered in determining future
building projections through 2009.
A number of points were highlighted:
 Overall attendance increased since 1990 by 57%, or 751,946 visitors, to 2,078,467
visitors in 1998; by comparison, FAMSF attendance grew by 64%, or 363,454 visitors,
to 927,975 in 1998.
-2461-
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
February 11, 1999
B.

Report on Bay Area Art Museum Growth, 1990-1998, and Projections for 2009
(continued)
Membership for all museums increased by 17,331 members or 22% since 1990
to 97,442 members in 1998; FAMSF membership decreased during this period by 3% or
1,316 to 46,042 members most likely due to the separation of the joint membership
program between FAMSF and the Asian Art Museum.

A major 79% or $29,826,635 increase in operating expenditures totaling $67,559,692
in 1998 was experienced; FAMSF operating expenses rose by $8,785,364 or 67%,
to $21,842,049 from 1990 to 1998.
 Gross earned income increased dramatically by 429% or $18,576,151 to $22,911,151
from 1990 to 1998 emphasizing the major impact of commercial, restaurant and special
event revenue; FAMSF experienced a 207%, or $4,248,570 increase in earned income
to $6,198,570 during this period of time.
In general, the data indicate that Bay Area museums have grown significantly in size
since 1990 with this trend continuing through 2009. Bay Area museums have also attracted
more visitors, experienced major increases in operating expenditures, earned substantially
more income, and gained new members.
Mr. Parker then reviewed projected building growth for Bay Area museums over the
next 10 years. He pointed out that these projections include the recently expanded and
reopened Stanford University Museum of Art, as well as the Jewish Museum, Mexican
Museum, Zeum, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Aggregate square feet for all
museums totaled 1,242,900 in 1999 and is projected to increase by 456,600 square feet, or
37%, to 1,699,500 square feet, by 2009. The new de Young Museum accounts for 89,600
square feet of this projected increase. By 2009, total art museum space is anticipated to
increase by 112% over the 1990 figure. The data document that the Bay Area museum
environment is very dynamic having more than doubled in a generation. It also becomes
clear that the new de Young Museum must be built as expeditiously as possible if the Fine
Arts Museums is to continue in its leadership position.
The Executive Committee acknowledged the value of the data presented. Trustee
Crocker suggested that additional visitor demographic data would be helpful. An effort
will be made to acquire demographic data from Bay Area museums. Mr. Parker noted
that internal audience development surveys indicate that the Fine Arts Museums are
attracting a younger and more diverse audience.
-2462-
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
February 11, 1999
C.
Report on Institutional Profile Submitted in the Grant Application to the
Institute of Museum and Library Services
A grant request has been submitted to the Institute of Museum and Library
Services (IMLS). This comprehensive grant application provides a great deal of
information regarding the Fine Arts Museums including the Museums’ history, mission,
audience, collections, exhibitions, governance, staff, financial management and long-range
plans. The appended excerpt from the Museums’ IMLS application was distributed to the
Executive Committee for use as a resource document.
D.
Update on City Budget
Mr. Parker advised that extensive fiscal year 1999-2000 budget preparation is being
finalized. As a result of an adjustment made to the current 1998-99 fiscal year budget, steps
are being taken to formalize the use of City guards rather than contract guards for temporary
exhibitions.
E.
Current and Future Exhibitions
A Grand Design: The Art of the Victoria and Albert Museum will be previewed
tonight at the Legion of Honor. The Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s largest
and most influential museum of decorative arts. Among the 250 objects on view are one
of Leonardo da Vinci’s visionary notebooks, the original manuscript of Bleak House
by Charles Dickens, paintings by John Constable and François Boucher, sculpture by
Benvenuto Cellino and Andrea della Robbia, Ronald Trager’s “Twiggy” photograph,
and a 1996 Christian Lacroix evening dress. This diverse exhibition of decorative arts,
sculpture, design, fashion and painting runs from February 13th through May 9th.
Mr. Parker expressed concern that attendance at the Impressionists in Winter: Effets
de Neige, which opened almost two weeks ago at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, is not
meeting budget projections. Approximately 165 visitors per hour saw the exhibition in the
first week of its run, compared to the 350 visitors per hour budgeted.1 At this level, the
exhibit would still make money but the COFAM operating budget bottom line would go into
the red. Advertising and promotion are being stepped up to increase turnout. In addition,
management is cutting operating expenses wherever possible to offset lower Impressionists
revenue.
-24631
By March 14th, weekly visitors averaged nearly 10,000, and crowd flow was gradually increasing to about 225
visitors
per hour.
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
February 11, 1999
E.
Current and Future Exhibitions (continued)
Mr. Parker noted a number of factors, which may account for the low attendance at
Impressionists in Winter, including inclement weather and the fact that the traditional Fine
Arts Museums visitor is unfamiliar with the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts’ location and
parking availability. A newer, downtown audience has not offset low numbers of traditional
museum goers although the number of visitors peaks during the noon lunch hour. Several
suggestions were made to reverse the low attendance, including shuttles to and from the de
Young Museum to Yerba Buena Center, the aggressive use of the Internet to market the
exhibition, and store displays, especially in the downtown area. Mr. Parker will provide a
follow-up report at the next meeting.
Report of the Civic Affairs Committee - Ms. Frankie Jacobs Gillette, Chair and Vice President
Chair Gillette reported on a special Civic Affairs evening reception held on February 2, 1999 at
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, which included a viewing of Impressionists in Winter: Effets
de Neige. Representatives from a number of City agencies and commissions attended the
successful event.
Public Comment
Members of the public may address the Executive Committee on items not on the agenda which are
within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Speakers may
address the Executive Committee for up to three minutes. There was no public comment.
Meeting Schedule, Future Events and Current and Future Exhibitions)
A.
Executive Committee Meetings
Date
March 11, 1999
May 13, 1999
September 9, 1999
November 11, 1999
December 9, 1999
B.
Time
Noon
Noon
Noon
Noon
Noon
Location
233 Post Street, SF - Cancelled
233 Post Street, SF
233 Post Street, SF
233 Post Street, SF
233 Post Street, SF
Time
3 p.m.
3 p.m.
3 p.m.
Location
Gallery 23, de Young Museum
Board Room, Legion of Honor
Gallery 23, de Young Museum
Board of Trustees Meetings
Date
April 8, 1999
June 10, 1999
October 14, 1999
-2464-
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
February 11, 1999
Future Events
Date
February 11, 1999
February 16, 1999
March 15-19, 1999
May 5-9, 1999
June 10, 1999
June 24, 1999
Event
Victoria and Albert Opening
William Fries II Dinner
Bouquets to Art
Youth Arts Festival
Francis Bacon Opening
Saxe Collection Opening
Current and Future Exhibitions
*Exhibitions organized by FAMSF
Title
Gallery One - Exhibition for Children
Recent Costume Acquisitions II*
Arnold Genthe*
Fred Wilson Greeting Room
Contemporary Art from Cuba
Microminiatures from Armenia
Impressionists in Winter: Effets de Neige
Date
Ongoing
07/11/98-02/14/99
12/19/98-03/28/99
01/16/99-05/02/99
01/16/99-05/02/99
01/16/99-05/02/99
01/31/99-05/02/99
A Grand Design: The Art of the
Victoria and Albert Museum
American Artists’ Books: 1980’s - 1990’s*
Selections from the Anderson Collection:
Motherwell’s A la Pintura*
Opera Costume*
Bouquets to Art
Theater & Dance Collection (Memorial
Exhibition for Nancy Van Norman Baer)*
Selections from the Anderson Collection:
Claes Oldenburg Prints & Multiples *
Artists Studio*
Youth Arts Festival
Francis Bacon: A Retrospective
Exhibition
The Art of Craft: Contemporary
Works from the Saxe Collection
Wedding Dresses from the Permanent
Collection*
John Gutmann Bequests*
02/13/99-05/09/99
-2465-
02/06/99-05/16/99
02/06/99-04/25/99
Museum/Gallery
de Young Gallery One
de Young 22
de Young 36/37
de Young 44
de Young 44
de Young 44
Yerba Buena Center
for the Arts
Legion B-F
& Rosekrans
Legion L
Legion A
02/27/99-06/27/99
03/15/99-03/19/99
de Young 22
Legion All
04/10/99-07/04/99
de Young 36-37
05/01/99-07/25/99
05/01/99-Ongoing
05/05/99-05/09/99
06/13/99-08/02/99
Legion A
de Young 5
de Young
Legion B-E
& Rosekrans
06/26/99-101799
de Young 41-44
07/00/99-01/00/00
07/24/99-10/3/99
de Young 22
de Young 36-37
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
February 11, 1999
Current and Future Exhibitions (continued)
*Exhibitions organized by FAMSF
Title
Anderson: Richard Diebenkorn’s 41
Etchings*
Logan Book Gallery*
Alain Kirili with Rodin Sculpture
Gantner-Meyer Collection of
Aborginal Art*
Art for Elders
Wiedersperg Collection*
Anderson: Legendary Lithography:
Prints from ULAE*
Nurturing the Future: The Art and
Collection of David C. Driskell
Date
Museum/Gallery
07/31/99-11/28/99
08/28/99-12/05/99
09/00/99-12/00/99
09/18/99-01/09/00
09/28/99-10/03/99
10/30/99-04/30/00
Legion A
Legion L
Legion 8-10-12
Legion B-F
& Rosekrans
de Young
de Young TBA
11/00/99-01/00/00
11/20/99-02/12/00
Legion A
de Young 44
Adjournment - Mrs. Alfred S. Wilsey, President
There being no further business, President Wilsey adjourned the meeting at 1:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Gough
Executive Secretary
Museums
Note: These minutes set forth all actions taken up by the Executive Committee on matters stated, but
not necessarily in the order in which the matters were considered.
Immediately following this meeting, the Corporation of The Fine Arts Museums held a meeting of its
Executive Committee.
mexfamsf992
-2466-