VARLEY McKAY

ART FOUNDATION OF MARKHAM

TOWN OF MARKHAM

The Varley Art Gallery

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2007 – 4:00 P.M.

MINUTES

Attendance:

Members:

Howard Back, Chair

Donald Hindson, Secretary

Brian Ayer

Ernestine Tahedl

Bill Pickering

Beverly Schaeffer

Drew Gerrard

Sammy Lee

Lana Champion
Michael Rothe

Nancy Coxford

Elizabeth Plashkes

Stan Neal

Regrets:

Robert McCulloch

Patty Loveland

Councillor Joe Virgilio

Mahesh Chokshi

Karen Chadwick

Anna Gauci

Staff:

John Ryerson, Director
Katerina Atanassova, Curator and Program Coordinator

L. Gold, Committee Clerk

The ninth meeting of 2007 of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham Board convened at the hour of 4:15 p.m. with Howard Back presiding as Chair.

1.         CHAIR’S OPENING REMARKS

Howard Back, Chair, informed the Board that the Wally Joyce shares were sold.  He mentioned the impressive press coverage the Art Gallery has been receiving.  Board Members were thanked for attending the Mayor’s Dinner for the Arts and special recognition was given to staff for their contributions.  It was noted that the Town of Markham’s Auditor, KPMG LLP Chartered Accountants, will also provide auditing services for a three year period for the Foundation at a very reasonable cost.

2.         ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE VARLEY-McKAY ART FOUNDATION OF MARKHAM BOARD MEETING HELD

ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2007

Minor spelling corrections were made on pages 1 and 3 of the September 18, 2007 minutes.

The attendance was updated to reflect Lana Champion and Michael Rothe under regrets.

Moved by Drew Gerrard
Seconded by Beverly Schaeffer

“That the minutes of the Varley McKay Foundation of Markham Board  meeting held on September, 18, 2007 be adopted as amended”.

CARRIED

3.     FINANCIAL REPORT

No report was provided.

4.     COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Art Committee

The creation of a catalogue for the Gallery was discussed.  The Board was informed that Ash Prakash, International Art Expert and collector was joining the Art Committee.

It was noted that the Board has $25,000 from the Gordon Foundation that is designated for an art acquisition.  The Heffel Fine Art Auction House catalogue was distributed in order for the board to view (2) paintings from Fredrick Varley’s earlier years for potential acquisition.

Moved by Stan Neal
Seconded by Drew Gerrard

“That, subject to inspection by Board Members and staff from the Varley McKay Art Gallery, Board funds derived from the Gordon Foundation Grant and other art acquisition funds, be expended to acquire (2) Fredrick Varley Water Colours: 1) Eddie Tide, White Harbour, 1905-1906; and 2) Rainy Day Harbour, 1903-1906, at a bid cost not to exceed $20,000 (excluding commission and taxes)”.

B. Building and Long Range Planning

The Building and Long Range Planning Committee gave the following building program priorities for a possible expansion of the Gallery building:

New Gallery Space

1) New one storey gallery space of approximately 1500 sq ft;

2) Gallery space will meet museum environmental standards;

3) Gallery space will be used for displaying art;

4) Windows should be included in the new gallery space;

5) Entrance to new gallery space will be from the existing entrance;

6) Second floor addition, above new space for office space;

7) Office space will not meet museum environmental standards;

8) Office space will meet accessibility and sanitary requirements for offices;

9) Office space will include (2) enclosed offices for the Director and Curator.

Existing Gallery Space

1) Reconfiguration of the gift shop and office area;

2) Expansion of kitchen and serving area.

It was suggested that we investigate if the second floor could be constructed in such a manner that it could be easily converted to gallery space in the future and that such conversion would meet museum standards.

C. Development Committee

The Development Committee listed a number of Fall/Winter priorities and completed actions:

1) Begin developing a work program for 2008;

2) Establishing a list of potential sponsors including corporations, foundations, and individuals;

3) Mailed letters to everyone that donated to the Garden Project updating them on the status of the McKay house and garden;

4) Investigating the possibility of hiring professional help for future planning of the Homes for Holidays Event;

5) Securing a professional caterer to sponsor the Art Auction;

6) Creating a website for the Foundation;

7) Registering the name of the foundation;

8) Compiling an information package for Councillors to bring with them on their trip to China to promote the Gallery;

9) Recognizing Wally Joyce for his gift by having a photograph taken by the same photographer as the one who took Bill Withrow’s photograph and/or establishing an annual Wally Joyce scholarship for an art student at Unionville High School.

The Board discussed the possibility of establishing a Wally Joyce scholarship in the amount of $500.00 or a student at Unionville High School.

Moved by Donald Hindson
Seconded by Sammy Lee

That the Development Committee investigate the possibility of establishing a scholarship/gift in the amount of $500 in the name of Wally Joyce to a student at Unionville High School; and, that the Development Committee report back to the Board on this issue at a future meeting.

CARRIED

It was indicated the Development Committee would like to expand its membership.  The Board was asked if they knew anybody in the community that would be interested in joining.

It was noted that tickets for the “Home for the Holidays” event need to be purchased at the Markham Civic Centre. Some members thought tickets should be available for sale at the Art Gallery. The number of tickets sold to-date was not known at this time.

An article from The Toronto Star regarding codes of ethics for foundations was reviewed with the Board.  Members were asked to look at a website www.imagine.ca to further consider the possibility of the Board adapting a code of ethics within its donations Policy.

D. Volunteer Committee

·    Varley Volunteer Book Club – The next meeting of the Varley Volunteer Book Club will be held on November 13, 2007.  The book of the month is Children of Men by P.D. James.   Meetings for the book club are held on second Tuesday of the month.

·    “Homes for the Holiday “event– It was reported there is enough volunteers for the event at this time and that the volunteers are currently preparing for the event.

·    Art Auction - The next meeting to discuss the May 1, 2007 Art Auction will be on November 6, 2007 and meetings to plan the event are now being regularly held.  The preference for having (1) sponsor for food was noted.  It was reported that a theme of original Canadian Art was being continued for the 2008 Art Auction.  The organizers of the event were hoping to increase the number of donated pieces and create a full page add in the program recognizing the sponsors.

The Board discussed how to treat different amounts of sponsorship. It was suggested that sponsorship greater than $1,000 dollars should be formally recognized.  It was felt about $7,500 was needed in food sponsorship, and $2,000 - $2,500 in wine sponsorship for the Art Auction.  Prospects for sponsorship were discussed.

It was suggested the Board explore new potential art donors in addition to asking private collectors/dealers who have donated art in previous years to the Art Auction.  Implementing a donation policy was recommended to streamline processes.  For instance, it was recommended donors should be informed by phone or in writing if their art is sold, and tax receipts should be sent out in 30 days.

5.     Directors Report

John Ryerson presented his Directors Report, advising the Gallery received two major Globe and Mail reviews in two months. He provided a status update to the Board regarding the Mckay House and garden, reflecting on the progress of the project and the attractiveness of the garden.  He reported the Gallery continues to see growth in its educational programs and that the Ontario Arts Council has recognized York Region as one of the fastest growing areas in North America and is aware of its lack of presence in the area. He also mentioned the Gallery’s capital renovations were almost complete.

Mr. Ryerson spoke about the Creative Cities Conference he attended in Edmonton, Alberta, and informed the Board he meet with a variety of cultural planners and programmers from across Canada.  From this opportunity, he established a list of potential projects and outreach programs.  He further mentioned the Gallery’s favorable reputation across Canada.

Mr. Ryerson also informed the Board of a breakfast he had attended with the Mayor, the Economic Development Department, and the United States Consul General.  He indicated he was able to establish contacts with the Consulate pertaining to cultural affairs, which he believed would help the Board’s with the planned 2009 project on Les Automatistes.

Katerina Atanassova provided a brief overview of the 2008 exhibits to be held at the Gallery, which include the following:

1) Pungent Personalities (January 27 – March 2, 2008) – (40) largely unknown drawings by Arthur Lismer, member of the Group of Seven, and Cartoonist;

2) Surfacing Atwood (January 20 – March 2, 2008) – (24) colour manipulated images exploring a great variety of surfaces and textures by John Reeves, Photographer;

3) Buddha Composed (January 20 – March 2, 2008) – A collection of art works by Julie Oakes inspired from the classical Buddhist iconography;

4) I Dreamed I was in Picasso’s Shoes (March 9 – May 4, 2008) – An exhibit created by Teodora Dragonieri, Toronto Artist and Art Educator, featuring shoes painted in the styles of various artist of the twentieth century;

5) Arts and Letters Club 100th Anniversary (March 9 – April 27) – Approximately 90 pieces of members art work will be displayed in three parts: 1) 1908 – 1939, the beginning of the Second World War; 2) From the end of the Second World War -1979; and 3) From 1980 to present (this part will also focus on art work of women members);

6) The Sacred Image of the Icon: A World of Belief (May 8 – September 1, 2008) – A selection of icon paintings created by modern practitioners;

7) Fredrick Varley in Unionville (May 15- November 9, 2008) – Featuring art work from Fredrick Varley, including pieces from private collections;

8) Contemporary Portraiture: Curator’s Choice (September 11 – November 9, 2008) - Favorite portraits of the Curator from the Varley Art Gallery’s existing collection will be displayed;

9) Judith Livingston: 25 years in Markham (September 18, 2007 – November 9, 2008) – Features paintings from local York Region artist Judith Livingston;

10) Recent Acquisition (November 23, 2008 – January 11, 2009) – Exhibits a selection of new art work from the Varley Art Gallery’s permanent collection.

11) Aligning with Beauty (November 23, 2008 – January 11, 2009) – Approximately 36 pieces will be displayed where beauty is embodied in the art work, created by artist with Muslim origins or by artist with art work that has identifiable Islamic content;

12) 11th Annual York Region Juried Exhibition – An exhibit of 30 to 40 works by local artist;

Memorandum of Understanding

The Treasurer noted that the Board is in compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding and recommended that we review compliance annually.

6.         UPCOMING EVENTS

Directors Circle (December 4, 2007) – The Board was provided with a brief overview of the Directors Circle event.  It was described as a cocktail reception that presents the current year’s events and programs and highlights the Gallery’s upcoming year.  There is expected to be about 50 members of the community attending the event.

7.      DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Varley Art Foundation of Markham will take place on Monday, November 26, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. in the Galleries at the Art Gallery.

8.         ADJOURNMENT

That the ninth meeting of 2007 of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham Board adjourned at 6:15 p.m.