HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES_Special_05-30-17 Minutes of the May 30,2017 Special Board Meeting
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(Approved at the July 13,2017 Board Meeting.)
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The special May 30, 2017 meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held in the Sawyer
Library of the Oshkosh Public Museum. President Hoffman called the meeting to order at 4:00
p.m.
The roll was taken by Ms. Books.
Present: Present: Excused:
Mr. Randy Domer Ms. Becky Matzke, Vice President Ms. Carol Fenrich
Ms. Diana Drew Mr. Rick Rego Ms. Allison Garner,
Ms. Connie Drexler, Alternate Ms.Jean Thierman, Secretary School Board President
Mr.Jim Hoffman, President Mr. Stan Mack, Superintendent of Schools Mr. Gabe Loiacono,
Alternate
Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Curator Anna Cannizzo, Curator Debra Daubert,
Archivist Scott Cross, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes.
This special meeting of the Board was called to discuss and vote on using up to $20,000 from the
Collections Fund to bid on an extensive archival collection of Helen and Mary Mears materials at
the Skinner Auction in Massachusetts. The urgency of the meeting was because the auction for
this collection ended Friday, June 2, 2017. Mr. Larson began by detailing that the Curator of
Collections at the Paine Art Center called Ms. Cannizzo to inform her about the availability of
this collection. The Paine Art Center had been made aware of the collection and decided it would
be more appropriate to offer the opportunity to the Oshkosh Public Museum (OPM), knowing
that OPM has a history of collecting Mears-Farnsworth items and telling their story. Mr. Larson
expressed that these lots are pertinent to OPM's collections, and he then invited the curators and
archivist to further explain to the Board why this opportunity should be seized.
The curators expressed that in 2016 when the exhibitions team was preparing for Geniuses of
Oshkosh, they became aware of the limited amount of information relating to the Mears family,
which is significant locally, statewide, and nationwide. Mr. Cross pointed out that the lots offer
240 photos, plus original letters written by the family. Mr. Mack inquired as to what era these are
from. Mr. Cross stated they are from about 1890-1910. The curators further pointed out that the
owner purchased these items from the Mary Mears estate. Ms. Daubert noted that what is known
about Helen is available because after her death, her sister Mary made it a point to make Helen's
works known. One lot includes the glass slides Mary used to promote Helen's work. Ms. Daubert
added the slides include Mary's script, giving details and dates on Helen's works, not known
before. Little is available about Mary's work; the State Historical Society has limited material. Mr.
Domer inquired what other groups might bid? The curators replied it's possible the Museum of
Wisconsin Art, the McDowell Foundation, as well as movie memorabilia collectors may bid. Ms.
Cannizzo noted that in addition to the bid amount, there is a 23% premium to the auction house.
Mr. Mack stated it sounds like this collection is relevant and important for Oshkosh and OPM.
Minutes of the special May 30,2017 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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Mr. Domer recommended raising the ceiling of the amount that can be bid, so as to not lose this
opportunity. Mr. Hoffman asked what higher amount Mr. Larson would be comfortable with,
Mr. Larson replied $35,000. Ms. Drew asked if the Museum were to get these, would there be an
exhibition so the public could see the collection. Mr. Cross noted that once the items have been
cataloged, all of them will be online for the public to see. Ms. Daubert expressed that some could
be prepared for traveling with the Mears contest. Ms. Cannizzo added that there is potential for
publication in The Muse and Artifact of the Month.
Mr. Domer moved that the Board approve raising the ceiling, and approve use of up to $35,000
from the Collections Fund to bid on the Helen and Mary Mears materials at the Skinner Auction.
Second by Mr.Mack.
The vote went as follows:
In Favor: In Favor: Against:
Mr. Domer Mr. Mack None
Ms. Drew Ms. Matzke
Ms. Drexler Mr. Rego
Mr. Hoffman Ms. Thierman
The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion passed, approving use of up to $35,000 from
the Collections Fund to bid on the Helen and Mary Mears materials at the Skinner Auction.
With no other agenda items Mr. Hoffman asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Matzke so moved
and Ms. Thierman seconded the motion.
The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed.
The meeting adjourned at 4:28 p.m.
Afterward: The Oshkosh Public Museum won the bids for all of the Mears collections for a total
of$6,980.25, including the premium. Shipping is additional.
Minutes of the special May 30,2017 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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