VARLEY MCKAY

ART FOUNDATION OF MARKHAM

TOWN OF MARKHAM
VARLEY ART GALLERY

Monday, December 8, 2008 – 4:00 P.M.

MINUTES

Attendance: Members Present: Howard Back, Chair Karen Chadwick Mahesh Chokshi Patty Loveland Edward Mariani Robert McCulloch Stan Neal Elizabeth Plashkes Terrence Pochmurksi Beverly Schaeffer Ernestine Tahedl Staff: John Ryerson, Director Katerina Atanassova, Program Coordinator Kitty Bavington, Committee Clerk

Absent: Brian Ayer Lana Champion Drew Gerrard Anna Hudson Sammy Lee Councillor Joe Virgilio

The seventh meeting of 2008 of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham Board convened at 4:00 PM with Howard Back presiding as Chair.

1. OPENING REMARKS

Howard Back, Chair, reported that Brian Ayer’s resignation from the Board has been accepted with regret. The Committee acknowledged Brian’s contributions over the years and noted that he will be missed.

2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF THE VARLEY-McKAY ART FOUNDATION OF MARKHAM BOARD MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 2008

MOVED BY: Elizabeth Plashkes

SECONDED BY: Edward Mariani

THAT the minutes of the Varley McKay Foundation of Markham Board meeting held on October 20, 2008 be adopted as presented.

CARRIED

3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL VARLEY-McKAY ART FOUNDATION OF MARKHAM BOARD MEETING, NOVEMBER 24 2008

MOVED BY: Elizabeth Plashkes

SECONDED BY: Ernestine Tahedl

THAT the minutes of the Special Varley McKay Foundation of Markham Board meeting held on November 24, 2008 be adopted as presented.

CARRIED

4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

EXPANSION PROJECT

Howard Back provided a follow-up to the Special meeting held on November 24, 2008, and the resolution from the meeting:

“THAT the Board also agrees to use its best efforts to contribute a further amount towards the expansion project equal to 10% of the excess of the actual costs of the expansion over $1.5 million to be paid over the next ten years up to a maximum further contribution of $100,000”.

Mr. Back reported that a presentation had been made to General Committee this day (December 8, 2008) and it had been received extremely well. Significant discussion had taken place, and the request for a single source architect, Jerry Markson, instead of a full RFP, had been questioned. It had been explained that Mr. Markson is very knowledgeable about this project. Members of Council were sympathetic, but wanted to ensure the price would be competitive. Staff have been directed to talk to Mr. Markson regarding the fees.

The project has been approved, with the amendment that the $100,000 contribution from the Art Gallery would only be used to top up costs, if they exceed 2.4 million. The source of the funds has changed to the Provincial Infrastructure Fund. It is important for the Board to clarify that municipal tax money is not being used.

Public meetings will be held as soon as possible in January. Attendance and support by Board members would be appreciated. The Board discussed the impacts of the construction on the scheduled exhibits in 2009, and determined that there should no interference.

5. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS

5. a. Capital Committee

Updates had been provided during the discussion above, regarding the expansion project.

5. b. Homes for the Holiday

Karen Chadwick reported that the Homes for the Holiday event was a great success, raising $110,209 with a net profit of $94,879. The net profit was down slightly this year from last year’s record. Ticket sales were hampered by the difficulty in getting the final proof of the tickets. Next year, the tickets will be produced and mailed out, and the programs will follow later. Over 200 volunteers had been involved in the event.

The Committee has decided to continue with the Homes for the Holidays event next year, with the possible addition of an afternoon tea, instead of switching to an early fall event as had been previously suggested.

The Board offered congratulations to Karen Chadwick and Bob McCulloch and the Committee, and noted the great support from the Town in selling the tickets. It was suggested that to facilitate the sale of tickets, that they be available for pick-up at the Art Gallery and the Markham Theatre box office.

Karen advised that Saturday’s Toronto Star had an article on Homes for the Holidays and it’s premier sponsor, Kylemore Homes.

5. c. Art Acquisition Committee

A motion was circulated from the Art Acquisition Committee, recommending the acquisition of five pieces at a value of approximately $20,000, as donations. The Board acknowledged that this is a very generous gift from Mr. Wallace Joyce.

1. Rufus Moody (1923-1998), Totem Pole (8 figures), argillite relief carving, 38.1 x 3.1 x 5.1 cm. Value: $5,000.00

2.   Rufus Moody (1923-1998), Totem Pole (8 figures), argillite relief carving, 38.1 x 3.5 x 4.4 cm. Value: $5,000.00

3.   Pat McGuire  ( 1935-1970 ), Totem Pole (5 figures), argillite carving,

34.3 x 5.1 x 5.1 cm. Value: $5,000.00

4.   Rufus Moody (1923-1998), Totem Pole (3 figures), argillite relief carving, 23.5 x 7.0 x 8.3 cm. Value: $5,000.00

5.   Rufus Moody (1923-1998), Carved Plate (3 figures), argillite relief carving, 13.3 x 9.8 x 1.9 cm. Value: $2,000.00

MOVED BY: Patty Loveland

SECONDED BY: Stan Neal

THAT the Board approve an acquisition through donation, for the permanent collection, of three Rufus Moody Totem Poles, one Rufus Moody Carved Plate, and one Pat McGuire Totem Pole, at a value to be confirmed with a second appraisal.

CARRIED

5. d. Auction Committee

Elizabeth Plashkes provided an update, advising that the positions have been filled and the tasks assigned. The date will be May 13 or 14, 2009. Alan Bryce, a collector and author, who has worked on previous auctions, has agreed to help. Beverly Schaeffer was encouraged to lend her valuable experience to this effort.

5. e. Nominations Committee – Board Vacancy

Vacancies have been left on the Board by the resignations of Nancy Coxford and Brian Ayer. The Board was advised that Patrick Carr was being recommended by the Executive Nominating Committee as a suitable appointee. Mr. Carr is enthusiastic, and he is Chairing the 2009 auction. A brief resume was provided.

MOVED BY: Beverly Schaeffer

SECONDED BY: Elizabeth Plashkes

THAT Mr. Patrick Carr be nominated by the Varley McKay Art Foundation to be appointed to the Board by Markham Council, to fill the temporary vacancy left by Nancy Coxford, for the remainder of the term, to June, 2009.

CARRIED

6. TREASURER’S REPORT

A Financial Statement for the quarter ending September 30, 2008, was presented. The Board noted the fund balances, and the funds earmarked for the expansion.

7. DIRECTOR’S REPORT

John Ryerson, Director, reported on various events:

- The recent Director’s Circle drew in 60 people.

- Karen Chadwick was thanked for her efforts on Homes for Holidays.

- Budget challenges involve finding sponsors and support for upcoming shows.

- The Gallery is seeking audio equipment and building materials for the Legally Blind and Deaf show.

Katerina Atanassova gave an overview of upcoming shows and the schedule of events for 2009. An invitation was extended to the members to join the Mayor and Council on a tour of the Thompson Exhibit on January 14 or 15. The date will be confirmed.

John concluded by thanking the Board for an incredible year in 2008, and thanked the Town and staff for their support.

8. NEW BUSINESS

Nancy Coxford Appreciation

An appreciation event for Nancy Coxford is being planned for early 2009. Patty Loveland agreed to head this project.

2009 Meeting Schedule

The Committee confirmed the following meeting dates for 2009. They will be on Mondays (except September 8, which is a Tuesday) at 4:00 p.m. at the Gallery.

January 19

February 23

March 30

April 27

May 25

June 22

September 8

October 26

November 30

The AGM will be held in late May.

9. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Varley McKay Art Foundation of Markham Board will be held on Monday January 19, 2009 at 4:00 PM at the Varley Art Gallery.

10. ADJOURNMENT

That the seventh meeting of the Varley McKay Art Foundation of Markham adjourned at 5:30PM.