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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05. Museum Minutes Minutes of the May 30,2017 Special Board Meeting � 1 r „tl alt, s ",, ur Ii (Approved at the July 13,2017 Board Meeting.) 0 ,Cr,vor - t nnn rl - lii"lp ro 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 Page 1 of 2 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 Page 2 of 2 Minutes of the June 1,2017 Board Meeting � l 11.11llt: seu (Approved at the July 13,2017 Board Meeting.) 0 ,Cr,vor - t nnn rl - lii"lp ro The June meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, June 1, 2017, in the Sawyer Library of the Oshkosh Public Museum. President Hoffman called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. 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 Mr.Jim Hoffman, President Ms.Jean Thierman, Secretary Absent: Mr. Gabe Loiacono, Alternate, Ms. Allison Garner, School Board President Ms. Connie Drexler, arrived at 4:30 Mr. Stan Mack, Superintendent of Schools Alternate Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Auxiliary President Barb Shirtz, Architect Alexandra Ramsey, City Planner Elizabeth Williams, City Attorney Lynn Lorenson, City Finance Director Trena Larson, Museum Curator of Exhibitions Debra Daubert, a University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Student, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes. Mr. Larson introduced guests, and Alexandra Ramsey, of Engberg Anderson Architects. Ms. Ramsey reviewed the reasons the entrance project is being considered, including ADA compliance. The new entrance would level the entrance with the exhibition space, to eliminate the need for the nearly obsolete wheelchair lift at the front. Safety of staff is also a factor: for staff to not need to carry large exhibition elements up the grand staircase, and for staff and visitors to have a second exit from the Archives. Ms. Ramsey presented the many features of the entrance design. Of note, the design does not require the archives to be moved during building; which would save staff time and off-site storage costs. It would add to the archives via a room to the east of the existing archives. Ms. Ramsey reported the freight elevator would give a straight entrance to each level, compared to the tight curves that need to be maneuvered now. Mr. Larson noted that the previously designed Site Plan parking lot was costly; whereas this plan simplifies the parking lot. Ms. Ramsey noted that people have inquired whether the entrance could be done in phases. She expressed it can be done in two phases, though it would cost more that way,but she will price it both ways. Ms. Matzke asked how the entrance and the upstairs exhibition space renovations coordinate. Mr. Larson noted they are coordinated and planned to work together. Ms. Williams expressed concern regarding the delivery trucks backing into the space so close to the intersection. Staff noted that the large trucks only deliver a couple times per year, so those times could be coordinated with Streets or Police to properly direct traffic around the needed space on the street. Mr. Rego asked if windows could be put in the attic space that would be used as a gathering space. Ms. Ramsey noted that could be done. With no further questions, that concluded the Architect's presentation at approximately 4:40 p.m. Ms. Ramsey, Ms. Larson, Ms. Lorenson, Ms. Williams, and Ms. Daubert excused themselves from the meeting. Minutes of the June 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 4 Consent Agenda items included the following: A. Minutes of the May Board meeting B. June Bill List C. Collections Fund expense of$525 to Barry Bauman for treatment of James D. Larpenteur painting, # 6140-17 Mr. Mack moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Second by Ms. Drew. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Mr. Domer Mr. Mack None Ms. Drew Ms. Matzke Ms. Garner Mr. Rego Mr. Hoffman Ms. Thierman The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed. Mr. Hoffman then requested that Mr. Larson present the Director's Report. Mr. Larson began with an update on People of the Waters. He noted that Split Rock Studios installation begins June 12. They anticipate working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, because there is much to accomplish before June 23. For Museum staff, efforts will be the installation of the 40' artifact timeline. The Museum will reopen June 24 and 25 for a special weekend, but the exhibition itself will be blocked off from visitors. Mr. Larson reviewed that volunteer and staff training will be conducted throughout the summer so that by the time of the special Members Opening on August 23, everyone should know the exhibition in some detail. Mr. Larson then reported that over the summer the associated curriculum will be completed. Museum staff also has additional media components to find or create. Each item in the media kiosks can have multiple images and/or video. While staff was able to do this for quite a few artifacts, they want to present media components for all the objects in the exhibition. Additionally, Mr. Larson noted the Museum would also like to publish a catalog for sale that will explain the exhibition, time periods, and key artifacts in detail. This catalog would be written primarily by Dr. Behm, with input from staff and other content experts. The production of the catalog depends on finding a source of funding; and should that happen, the catalog would be released in 2018. Next, Mr. Larson reported that Durow Curator of Collections and Decorative Arts, Anna Cannizzo, will provide a brief overview of the changes to the Collections Management Policy at the July 13 meeting. This policy is the fundamental document that controls how the Museum manages collections. Mr. Larson noted that once presented and the Board has had time for discussion, the Board will vote on the changes. Minutes of the June 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 4 Looking ahead, Mr. Larson noted that if the building project successfully moves forward, Membership and Marketing Coordinator Karla Szekeres would like to submit a major capital grant to the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. Discussion of this would come before the Board later this year. In conclusion, Mr. Larson was pleased to report that the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation added another $15,000 to the original grant for People of the Waters, bringing their total support to $30,000. That concluded the Director's report. President Hoffman thanked the Oshkosh Area School District and Mr. Mack for including money in the 2017-2018 budget to bus students to the Museum to see People of the Waters - which coordinates with 4th Grade Core Curriculum and Wisconsin Act. 31. Mr. Mack shared that the Oshkosh School District sometimes uses the printing and publishing capabilities of the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh and notes that could be an affordable source for the People of the Waters catalog. Mr. Hoffman requested the WWI Commemoration Committee Report. Ms. Matzke began by reporting the WWI Commemoration Committee met May 31, 2017, at which two University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh history students gave a presentation of the stories they discovered in their research for the World War One standees. The Committee is voting to decide on which ten people will be selected, and then businesses will be approached for places to display the standees. A World War One Film Festival will be held at the Oshkosh Public Library; with movies and dates yet to be determined. Mayor Cummings continues discussions on the option to move the memorial plaques that are at the Winnebago Court House. These would be moved to the new entrance at the Court House, so they can be seen by more people. Mr. Larson noted that the Winnebago County Court House is the right place to have these memorial plaques, as they honor WWI veterans from Winnebago County. Additionally, Ms. Matzke reported that Austin Frederick is preparing pod casts on Liberty Loans. In summer 2018 the Oshkosh Public Museum will have an exhibition of World War One items and photographs held in their Collections. Ms. Thierman commented that the recent issue of The Muse was beautiful and the cover article on The Kurt Graf Bridge was particularly interesting and informative. Ms. Drew asked if there is any headway for the renaming of Rainbow Park. Mr. Larson reported that consideration is being made for the name to be changed back and that it would be very appropriate for the Kurt Graf Bridge plaque to be moved to Rainbow Park, because Kurt Graf was in the Rainbow Division. That concluded the WWI Commemoration Committee Report. Mr. Hoffman then requested the Auxiliary Report. Minutes of the June 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 4 Ms. Shirtz began by reporting that everyone enjoyed the meal and service at the Auxiliary's annual spring luncheon held at Primo's. The entertainment by Marilyn and John Rogge was very good and they will be asked to play music for the 2018 Gala. Sis Martin volunteered to be vice president and the Auxiliary Board will next meet on June 23. Ms. Shirtz noted that both the Pie on the Lawn and the Gala Committees met the morning of June 1St. A food service permit will be obtained for the events. Mark your calendars for July 91h-Pie on the Lawn. The Gala Committee is planning even more for 2018, as the Auxiliary wants to continue their financial support to the Museum. That concluded the Auxiliary Report. Mr. Mack expressed his appreciation on how well the Oshkosh Public Museum Auxiliary functions. He praised the group's excellent organizational planning, and noted he values their monthly reports at the Board meeting. Adding that, the Auxiliary's financial support to Museum projects is exemplary. With no other agenda items Mr. Hoffman asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Thierman so moved and Mr. Domer seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The meeting adjourned at 4:54 p.m. Minutes of the June 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 4 of 4