SPECIAL MEETING OF THE VARLEY McKAY

ART FOUNDATION OF MARKHAM

TOWN OF MARKHAM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2007

MINUTES

Attendance:

Members: Howard Back, Chair Donald Hindson, Secretary Brian Ayer Lana Champion Mahesh Chokshi Nancy Coxford Patty Loveland Robert McCulloch Stan Neal Bill Pickering Elizabeth Plashkes Michael Rothe Beverly Schaeffer Regrets: Karen Chadwick Anna Gauci Drew Gerrard, Treasurer Sammy Lee Ernestine Tahedl Councillor Joe Virgilio

Staff: Allan Seabrooke, Acting Commissioner of Community and Fire Services Barbara Cribbett, Treasurer John Ryerson, Acting Director, Culture Judy Kee, Committee Clerk

The Special Meeting 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. BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT

Members discussed options available to the Foundation with respect to the utilization of certain bequests from an anonymous donor.

Moved by Donald Hindson

Seconded by Stan Neal

Resolved that the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham approve the expenditure of up to $30,000, including GST, from its existing funds, for a feasibility study(s) to determine the appropriate manner to utilize certain bequests received and to be received by the Foundation from an anonymous donor.

CARRIED

3. OTHER BUSINESS

Director’s Report – Mr. John Ryerson, Acting Director, Culture and Gallery Director provided information on the following matters:

• a Grant in the amount of $6,100 has been received from the Federal Museum Assistance Program to provide a wooden storage rack system in the vault at the Gallery;
• the A. J. Casson Exhibition, organized by the Varley Art Gallery and on display at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa in May and June of 2007, was well attended – (6,000 people);
• highlighted a recent review regarding the Varley Gallery in the Globe and Mail; and also reported on a recent insert in the national newspaper entitled: “Markham 07”, noting a special feature on culture;
• Katerina Atanassova, Program Coordinator, will be away on vacation until October 1, 2007;

Congratulations to Varley Gallery Staff – Members of the Board extended congratulations to John Ryerson and his staff regarding the success of the 10^th Anniversary Exhibition – “F.H. Varley Portraits Into the Light”, May 25 – September 3, 2007, and the complementary review that the Exhibition received in the Globe & Mail.

Doors Open Markham – Ms. Elizabeth Plashkes advised that Doors Open Markham is being held on August 25 & 26, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Villages of Buttonville, Markham, Thornhill and Unionville, giving visitors an opportunity to tour heritage buildings, take heritage walking tours, and ride the heritage train or double decker buses.

The Varley Gallery will be open all week-end and will be free to all visitors. A “Plein Air” Art Event and Sale is planned, and finished works will be offered for sale at the Varley Gallery on August 25 & 26, and the sale will continue at the McKay House from August 28 to September 3.

Mayor’s Dinner for the Arts – The Chair encouraged Members to consider the annual Mayor’s Dinner for the Arts being held on October 25, 2007 at the Hilton Suites Hotel. Proceeds from the event will continue in part to support the Art Gallery’s programming. Tickets are$185 per person, and Members interested in attending were asked to contact the Chair.

Appreciation Luncheon for Varley Gallery Staff – Members were reminded that approval had been previously given to arrange a luncheon for the Varley Gallery staff in appreciation of their work. The Acting Director and Chair will coordinate the occasion.

4. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next regular meeting of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation Board is scheduled for:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 AT 4:00 P.M

AT THE VARLEY ART GALLERY.

ADJOURNMENT

The Special Meeting of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham Board adjourned at 5:00 p.m.