VARLEY MCKAY

ART FOUNDATION OF MARKHAM

 

TOWN OF MARKHAM - VARLEY ART GALLERY
Monday, April 19, 2010

 

MINUTES

 

Attendance:

 

Members Present:

Howard Back, Chair

Alan Bryce

Patrick Carr

Mahesh Chokshi

Drew Gerrard, Treasurer

Sammy Lee

Patty Loveland

Edward Mariani

Robert McCulloch

Terrence Pochmurski, Secretary

Beverly Schaeffer

Ernestine Tahedl

Regional Councillor Joe Virgilio

 

 

 

Regrets:

Karen Chadwick

Anna Hudson

Stan Neal

Elizabeth Plashkes

 

Staff:

Francine Perinet, Director, Varley Art         Gallery

Judy Kee, Committee Clerk

 

 

The meeting of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham Board convened a

4:10 pm, with Howard Back presiding as Chair.

 

 

1.            CALL TO ORDER AND CHAIR’S OPENING REMARKS

 

Mr. Howard Back, Chair, reported that the opening of Les Automatiste Exhibition in Buffalo, New York went very well and was described as “one of the top 20 exhibitions in the United States”.  He noted that it is great exposure for the Varley on the international scene.

 

Congratulations were extended to Board Member, Patrick Carr, on his recent appointment as President of Hallmark Canada.

 

 

 

2.         ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO AGENDA

 

There were no changes or additions to the Agenda made at this time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.         ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF THE VARLEY-McKAY ART

            FOUNDATION OF MARKHAM MEETING HELD ON MARCH 1, 2010

 

MOVED BY: Sammy Lee

SECONDED BY: Patrick Carr

 

THAT the minutes of the Varley McKay Foundation of Markham Board meeting held on March 1, 2010 be adopted.

                                                                                                                        CARRIED

 

 

 

4.         BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

 

Strategic Planning Process – The Chair provided a status update regarding the strategic planning process, and noted that an informal session of the Board had been held on March 12th to discuss the approach to be taken.  The selection of the facilitator is now underway and proposals are being received for consideration.  It is expected that the cost of the facilitator would be in the range of $20,000.

 

Members were advised that Ms. Francine Perinet, Director, has submitted an application to the Ontario Arts Council for a grant in the amount of $6,100, and once that grant has been approved, an application will then be submitted to the Canada Council for a further grant in the amount of $10,000.  Receipt of such funding would considerably reduce the Varley’s cost for the facilitator.

 

Once all proposals have been received, Members of the Board will be canvassed by email with a recommendation regarding the engagement of the consultant.  The Chair noted that it is proposed to begin the process in May, and the suggested format will consist of one (1) four-hour session on a Saturday morning, and two (2) two-hour sessions in the evening. The Chair also noted that public consultations may also be held.

 

Copies of the Varley Strategic Planning document, dated March 15, 2010, outlining details of the strategic planning process, were distributed.

 

**Leduc Painting – The Chair advised that the Director had made a conditional offer from the Foundation to purchase the Fernand Leduc Sans titre, 1947, oil on canvas at a total cost of $85,000.  The condition was that a repatriation grant from Heritage Canada be approved and received to assist with the purchase.  The Director indicated that the offer has been accepted on that basis.  The Director has applied for the repatriation grant from Cultural Properties, Heritage Canada, in the amount of $42,500.  The net cost to the Foundation, on receipt of the grant would be $42,500.**

 

**Amended at the Board’s meeting held May 17, 2010 to read as above.

 

 

Curator Selection – The Chair provided an update on the engagement of an “adjunct curator”, and Members discussed the advantages and disadvantages of this solution for the Varley Gallery.  In addition, Members also discussed the importance of “historical Canadian art”.

 

 

 

5.         SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

a)         Building and Long Range Planning Committee

 

The Chair advised that Mr. David Johnson, Architect, had been retained for the Varley Art Gallery Expansion project, and Mr. Max Stanford will be the Project Manager.  The Architect is working towards completion of the drawings, and it is expected that construction will begin in the summer.

 

Members were advised that a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new expansion is being scheduled for Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. with Mr. Wally Joyce in attendance.

 

 

b)        Art Auction Committee

 

Mr. Patrick Carr distributed information providing an update on the 2010 Varley Art Auction, scheduled for Thursday, May 6th.  He reported that everything is on track and that the primary focus this year will be on art, with new and improved live and silent auctions.  The target this year is to raise $100,000 and sponsorships have increased by 29%.  Mr. Carr encouraged all Members to sell tickets and help recruit “buyers” to attend the auction.  In response to a query regarding items to be sponsored, Mr. Carr advised that a list will be sent out to all Members.

 

Appreciation was expressed to Alan Bryce, Elizabeth Plashkes and Paul Keeling for all their work in the planning and organizing of this event.

 

Members discussed the matter of the issuance of “tax receipts” for this event, and the related challenges.  Mr. Carr will work with the Treasurer regarding financial details for this 2010 event.

 

The Director will forward copies of the Art Auction brochure to all Members for their information.

 

 

c)         Homes for the Holidays Committee

 

The Chair advised that Karen Chadwick is in the process of preparing a report for the Board and it will be presented as soon as possible.

 

 

6.         FINANCIAL REPORT

 

Mr. Drew Gerrard, Treasurer, presented and reviewed the draft audited Financial Statements of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham for the year ending December 31, 2009, which have been reviewed by KPMG LLP, Auditors.

 

Moved by Drew Gerrard

Seconded by Beverly Schaeffer

 

That an amount of $1,487 be transferred from the Unrestricted General Fund to the Designated Fund – Varley-McKay Art Centre and the Designated Fund – Varley-McKay Art Centre be closed.

CARRIED

 

Moved by Drew Gerrard

Seconded by Patty Loveland

 

That the Board of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham approve the audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 and that Howard Back, Chair and Drew Gerrard, Treasurer be authorized to sign the statements on behalf of the Board.

CARRIED

 

The Chair thanked the Treasurer for his work during the past year, and also acknowledged the assistance of the Town’s Finance Department staff.

 

 

 

7.         DIRECTOR’S REPORT

 

The Director of the Gallery reported on the following upcoming exhibitions:

 

- “Cultural Floe: Modern and Inuit Traditions” (opening in June 2010); passages and transitions; 1950’s to modern time; more contemporary works; carefully selected from other galleries and private collectors, and

- “Kai Chan: A Spider’s Logic” (September 2010 to February 2011); sculptural works

 

The Director advised that there are no exhibitions planned to date for the spring/summer of 2011, however, it may be an opportunity to promote and enhance the permanent collection.  Members discussed the feasibility of curating a special exhibition for the opening of the Gallery’s new addition.

 

The Director reported on grants that the Varley Gallery could apply for from the Ontario Arts Council relating to: 1) programs/projects, and 2) operating and programming grants.  Members briefly discussed the Director’s request for approval this date to proceed prior to the June 1st deadline, however, it was requested that the Director present more information at the next Board Meeting.

 

Members were advised that meetings are being held with the Gallery’s Expansion Project Architect and the Project Manager and things are moving along well.

 

Members were also advised that the Director will be attending the Canadian Art Museum Directors’ Organization Spring Meeting in Quebec City, April 26-27.  This is an excellent opportunity for the exchange of information on exhibitions, planning, and programming amongst directors of Canadian art museums and galleries.

 

 

 

8.         NEW BUSINESS

 

Varley Gallery – Landscaping – Some concern was expressed regarding the poor state of the gardens surrounding the Varley Gallery, and it was suggested that maintenance be requested from the Town staff.

 

Exhibitions at Varley – Process Query – In response to a query regarding the process involved for exhibitions at the Gallery, the Director explained that primarily the suggested exhibition must be a correct “fit” for the Varley Gallery.  Suggestions may be submitted by letter to the Director.

 

Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery - A Brief History – Copies of a brief written history of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation, including the origins of the Varley Art Gallery, prepared by Past Chair Bill Pickering, were distributed to Members.  The Chair requested Members to review the document and forward him any comments.

 

Slate of Directors for 2010 Varley Annual Meeting – The Chair distributed copies of a proposed Slate of Directors to be presented at the 2010 Annual General Meeting.  Members were advised that Mr. Stan Neal does not wish to renew his term, and it was suggested that Mr. Paul Keeling be nominated in his place

 

The following are the persons to be nominated to the Board effective June 1, 2010 for a three year term:

 

Howard Back

Mahesh Chokshi

Drew Gerrard

Paul Keeling

Sammy Lee

Ernestine Tahedl

 

The remaining Members of the Board will continue their term as previously appointed.

 

 

 

Sponsorship/Fund-Raising Events - Kai Chan Exhibition (September, 2010) - The Chair advised that Mr. Sammy Lee has been working very hard to obtain sponsorships for the Kai Chan Exhibition in September, and is currently organizing fund-raising dinner.  Members were encouraged to participate in the event, and more details will be presented at a later date.

 

 

Unionville B.I.A. Initiative for Main Street - Mr. Edward Mariani reported on a Unionville B.I.A. initiative to arrange for a tour bus come from the City of Toronto and stop in Unionville for up to 4 hours, and local merchants would be able to assist in the funding.  It was agreed that this initiative might bring in more traffic to the Gallery.  A meeting of the UBIA is scheduled within the next week, and the Director advised that she would be pleased to attend.

 

In response to a query regarding the status of the Stiver House as a potential art gallery on the Main Street, Mr. Mariani advised that he would follow up and report back.

 

 

 

9.         DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

The Chair reported that the date for the Varley Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for Monday, May 17th at the Markham Civic Centre, and as the next Varley Board Meeting is later in the afternoon on the same day, it was suggested that the Board Meeting also be held at the Civic Centre rather than at the Gallery.  There was some discussion regarding the timing of the meetings and the following timetable was proposed, subject to confirmation by Ms. Kee, Committee Clerk:

 

Annual General Meeting – Monday, May 17, 2010 – 12:30 p.m. in the Canada Room at the Markham Civic Centre; and

 

Regular Board Meeting – Monday, May 17, 2010 – 1:30 p.m. in the York Room at the Markham Civic Centre

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm.