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, January 24, 2008, in the Piazzoni Murals Room, de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.  A quorum was present that being one-third of the number of Trustees in office.  President Wilsey called the meeting to order at 3:25 p.m. and extended a warm welcome to new Trustee Susan Swartz.

President Wilsey presided; Mrs. Gough acted as Secretary.

II.

Calling of the Roll

The following Trustees were present:

Adolphus Andrews, Jr.
Edward D. Baker III
Cheryl L. Bancroft
Kermit H. Boston
T. Robert Burke
David H. S. Chung
Denise B. Fitch
Harrison S. Fraker, Jr.
Lauren Hall
Gretchen Kimball
Kathryn Lasater
Monica Maduro, Vice President for Marketing and Audience Development
Marianne H. Peterson
Louise H. Renne
Jeanne Robertson
Shelagh Rohlen
George B. Saxe
Arlene Schnitzer
Susan S. Swartz
Lonna Wais
Robert T. Wall
Diane B. Wilsey, President
Lisa Zanze

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

Roger Barnett
Shelby W. Bonnie
Carol W. Casey
Iris S. Chan
Barnaby Conrad III
Marion Moore Cope, Vice President for Annual Support
Penny Coulter
Molly Murphy Crowley
Karen B. Francois
John A. Friede
Elise Friedman
Robert P. Morrow III
Carl Pascarella
Michael H. Podell
Lisa M. Sardegna
Randolph R. Scott
Jim Tananbaum
Trevor D. Traina
David Winton

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

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

Other Trustees in attendance were:

George Hecksher, Vice President for Collections
J. Alec Merriam
Steven MacGregor Read
Paul A. Violich, Vice President for Finance

III.

Report of the President – Diane B. Wilsey

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

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

B. Training Session on Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code, the Sunshine Ordinance – Adine Varah, Deputy City Attorney

President Wilsey advised that the Sunshine Ordinance, Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code, requires all officials, who file statements of economic interest with the San Francisco Ethics Commission, to be trained annually on the Sunshine Ordinance and to file a declaration that they have done so.

Deputy City Attorney Adine Varah was introduced and proceeded to review the key points outlined in the Sunshine Ordinance training material, “Sunshine Laws for Board Members,†which was distributed to Trustees.  She noted that the City’s commissions, boards and committees exist to conduct the people’s business.  The public meeting laws, San Francisco’s Sunshine Ordinance, and the State of California Brown Act, ensure that the deliberations and actions of public bodies are conducted openly.  These laws serve to inform the public of matters to be discussed and acted upon, allow the public to participate in these deliberations, and keep the public informed of what occurred through public meeting records.  She emphasized the following points:

1. A meeting occurs whenever a majority of the members of a policy body come together at the same time and place.  As stipulated by the San Francisco Charter, one-third of the number of Trustees in office constitutes a quorum for the FAMSF Board of Trustees.
2. A meal gathering before, during, or after a meeting is considered to be part of the meeting.
3. Purely social, recreational, or ceremonial occasions sponsored by or organized for the public body are to be open to the public.  Members of the public body must be careful not to discuss business during these purely social occasions.
4. Passive meetings include social, recreational or ceremonial occasions to which a majority of the body has been invited, meetings of advisory committees created to advise a member of a policy body, or certain committees created by the initiative of a member of a policy body, the Mayor, or a department head.
5. An unlawful meeting may take place even if a majority of the members are not present in the same place at the same time.  A fax or e-mail to obtain the approval of a committee action is considered a “seriatum†meeting.  This occurs when a majority of the members communicate outside of a public meeting through a series of communications.
6. A notice and agenda must be issued 72 hours before a regular or special meeting.
7. The agenda must include a meaningful description of each item of business, a designation as to whether an agenda item is an action or a discussion item, and a description of appended documents.
8. An item not listed on the agenda cannot be discussed at a meeting. However, commission/board members may respond to a public member’s statements or questions, ask clarification questions to determine whether a subsequent discussion is necessary, and may discuss a matter under limited emergency circumstances.
9. Fairly detailed minutes and tape recordings of meetings are required and are part of the permanent records of San Francisco Charter boards and commissions.
10. Closed sessions are permissible to address certain personnel matters, pending or threatened litigation, and real estate negotiations.  Tape recordings of closed sessions must be kept at least ten years or permanently.
11. Each member of the public must be allowed to speak before or during the discussion of any item on the agenda for up to three minutes before action is taken on any item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the body, even if the item is not on the agenda.
12. Individuals giving public comment have a right to anonymity and must be given the same amount of time to speak.  The policy body is not required to respond to public comment.
13. Willful failure of any elected official, department head, or other managerial City employee to discharge duties under the Sunshine Ordinance would constitute “official misconduct.â€
14. In November 2004, San Francisco voters passed State Proposition 59, a constitutional amendment regarding public meetings and public records law.     The measure elevated public access to meetings of government bodies and writings of government officials to a constitutional right.

Ms. Varah concluded her remarks; Trustees may contact her with any questions at 554-4670.  Trustees were reminded to sign and return the Sunshine Ordinance Training Declaration Form, distributed at the meeting, to Judy Gough, Executive Secretary, for filing with the Ethics Commission.  Deputy City Attorney Varah was thanked for her presentation with a round of applause.  There was no public comment.

Presentation of a Major Gift of Eight Artworks by Pierre-Joseph Redouté Accepted at the December 13, 2007 Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco - George Hecksher, Vice President for Collections and Chair of the Acquisitions Committee

At the request of Chair Hecksher, Mr. Buchanan presented eight artworks by Pierre-Joseph Redouté (French, 1759–1840).  This major gift was made in honor of a Trustee whose leadership and vision were critical to the construction of the new de Young Museum.  The donor attended the meeting to participate in this special presentation.  As history’s most famous botanical artist, Redouté’s patrons included two Queens and two Empresses.  The Museums are extremely fortunate to have these eight artworks, which were all on view at the meeting, enter the permanent collection:

Six watercolors on vellum for Les Liliacées, 1802–1816: Iris tuberosa, plate 48, Sisyrinchium bermudiana, plate 149, Bulbocodium vernum, plate 197, Scilla patula, plate 225, Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley), plate 227, Sisyrinchium palmifolium, plate 353, Watercolors on vellum: 13 ¼ x 18 ¾ in., each.

Two handcolored stipple engravings from Les Roses, 1817:  Rosa Rapa and Rosa Reclinata flore sub multiplici.

On behalf of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Mr. Buchanan extended sincere appreciation to the donor for this significant and most generous gift of eight works by Pierre-Joseph Redouté which was accepted at the December 13, 2007 meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.  This important gift was acknowledged with a sustained round of applause by the Board of Trustees.

Consideration and Possible Action to Accept the Report of 2007 Year-End Gifts of Works of Art – George Hecksher, Vice President for Collections and Chair of the Acquisitions Committee

Chair Hecksher, Vice President for Collections and Chair of the Acquisitions Committee of the Fine Arts Museums Foundation, reported that 156 artworks were received from 31 donors at the end of 2007.  He particularly noted a gift of 41 photographs by David Seymour (Chim), and a gift of 17 objects from various cultures and media to the Textiles department.  He expressed gratitude to the donors for their continued generosity and support of the Fine Arts Museums.  At his request, select 2007 year-end gifts of art were presented by curators as follows:

Africa, Oceania, and the Americas – Kathleen Berrin, Curator in Charge, Africa, Oceania and the Americas

Polychrome cylinder vessel with standing female making offerings, 1 of 4 Mayan artworks generously donated by two Trustees.  A poster-sized image of this clay and pigment object, which is currently on display at the de Young Museum, was on view.

Ceremonial knife, ca. 1200-1500, 1 of 4 objects received at year-end from another donor.  A poster-sized image of this object, made of stone, obsidian, turquoise, shell, spondylus, resin, was also on view.

American Art – Timothy Anglin Burgard, Ednah Root Curator of American Art

Cod Tureen, 1997, David Regan, American, b. 1964, made of glazed porcelain and oxide pigment, was on view at the meeting.  This object is 1 of 35 partial interest gifts from a Trustee and his wife.  In addition, the donors have given three objects in full.

European Art – Lynn Orr, Curator of European Art

The remaining 33.3% partial interest inStill Life with Crabs on a Pewter Plate, ca. 1669–1672, by Abraham Mignon, German, 1640–1679, was received from a foundation.  This major oil on wood panel painting, which is presently installed at the de Young Museum, was on view at the meeting.

On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept the Report of 2007 Year-End Gifts of Works of Art attached as Appendix I of these minutes.  The Board of Trustees recognized the generosity of the donors with sincere appreciation.

IV.

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

 A. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Honoring Robert Flynn Johnson Upon His Retirement as Curator in Charge of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts Effective June 30, 2007

Mr. Buchanan advised that Robert Flynn Johnson retired as Curator in Charge of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts on June 30, 2007, after more than 30 years with the Museums, and has assumed the honorary title of Curator Emeritus.  Mr. Buchanan invited Trustees to attend a reception honoring Mr. Johnson, immediately following this meeting, at the Legion of Honor.  He then read the following resolution of appreciation:

WHEREAS, After nearly thirty-two years of service to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Robert Flynn Johnson announced his retirement as Curator in Charge of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts effective June 30, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Since his arrival at the Fine Arts Museums in August 1975, Mr. Johnson set a high standard for excellence and expertise in prints and drawings; and

WHEREAS, During his prolific career, he distinguished himself through publishing, organizing exhibitions, and building the collection through gifts and purchases; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson produced significant publications including Anonymous: Enigmatic Images from Unknown Photographers (Thames & Hudson, 2004); Artists’ Books in the Modern Era (Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, 2001); Lucian Freud: Works on Paper (W.W. Norton & Co., 1988); Master Drawings from the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts (Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, 1985); and co-authored Treasures of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts (Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, 1995); and

WHEREAS, He mounted many popular and critically well-received exhibitions such as:  Rembrandt to Thiebaud:  A Decade of Collecting Works on Paper (2007); Treasures of the Achenbach (1995); The Face of AIDS (1991); Master Drawings of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts (1985); and America Observed:  Etchings by Edward Hopper, Photographs by Walker Evans (1976); and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson was responsible for collecting almost 20,000 works of art on paper and growing the photography holdings to more than 2,000 works; and several important collections, namely, the Crown Point Press Archive, the Anderson Graphic Arts Collection, the Reva and David Logan Collection of Illustrated Books, and the Ed Ruscha Graphic Arts Archive were secured during his tenure; and

WHEREAS, Most notable among the artworks acquired during his curatorship were Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1606–1669), The Shell (Conus Marmoreus), 1650; Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal) (1697–1768), View of the Arch of Constantine and Environs, Rome; Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780–1867), Portrait of Maria Maddalena Magli (Mme. Bartolini), 1806; Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864–1901), Au Cirque: Cheval Pointant, 1889; Mary Cassatt (1844–1926), Woman Bathing, 1891; Henri Matisse (1869–1954), La violiniste à la fenêtre, 1924; Marcel Duchamp (1877–1968), The Box in the Valise of or by Marcel Duchamp or Rrose Sélavy no. VII, 1941–1942; Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), Untitled (Two Figures), ca. 1947; and Imogen Cunningham (1883–1976), Untitled Pregnant Nude (Merrie Renk), 1956; and

WHEREAS, The Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts is widely recognized as the largest and best American museum collection of its kind in the West, with work representing over 500 years of graphic arts from around the world; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his outstanding service to the Museums, Mr. Johnson was bestowed with the honor of Curator Emeritus; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco does hereby extend its deepest gratitude to Robert Flynn Johnson for his exceptional dedication to the Museums; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Board by acclamation extends every good wish and happiness to him upon his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Buchanan extended appreciation to Mr. Johnson, and the Board of Trustees acknowledged him with a sustained round of applause.  On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1635.  Mr. Buchanan presented a framed copy of the resolution to Mr. Johnson who addressed the Board of Trustees and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Board and his colleagues at the Museums for their support over the past thirty years.

Mr. Buchanan then presented two works on paper given in honor of Robert Flynn Johnson upon his retirement.  These gifts will be part of the February 6^th Acquisitions Committee agenda:

Prints and Drawings

Dolores, 1921, Baron Adolphe de Meyer (American, 1868 - 1949) – This gelatin silver print is a gift from a Trustee honoring the friendship of her late husband with Robert Johnson

Untitled (Rodin), 1973, David Levine (American, b. 1926) – Given by a former director of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco in honor of Robert Johnson

B. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Board President and Director of Museums to Submit the Fiscal Year 2008-09 City Budget

Mr. Buchanan advised that it is customary each February to submit the City Budget Request.  He introduced the following resolution authorizing the President and Director of Museums to sign and submit the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 City Budget Request:

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco does hereby authorize the Board President and the Director of Museums   to submit the Fiscal Year 2008-09 City Budget Request.

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 1636.

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

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

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

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco does hereby acknowledge funding in the amount of $5,192,296 expended by the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums for operations during the period July 1 through September 30, 2007.

On motion, duly seconded, there was no discussion among Trustees.  There was no public testimony.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1637.

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

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

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 July 1 through September 30, 2007:

Estate of William A. Stimson, $283,989 (Unrestricted Art Acquisition)

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 1638.

V.

Public Comment

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

VI.

Meeting Schedule, Future Events and Current and Future Exhibits

A. 2008 Board of Trustees Meetings

B. 200 Executive Committee Meetings

C. Future Events

D. Current and Future Exhibitions (*Exhibitions organized by FAMSF)[2]

Legion of Honor - Major Special Exhibitions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            de Young Museum - Major Special Exhibitions

VII.

Adjournment – Diane B. Wilsey, President

There being no further business, President Wilsey adjourned the meeting at 4:15 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.