VARLEY McKAY

ART FOUNDATION OF MARKHAM

 

TOWN OF MARKHAM

The Varley Art Gallery

MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2007 – 4:00 P.M.

 

MINUTES

 

Attendance:

 

Members:

Howard Back, Chair

Donald Hindson, Secretary

Brian Ayer

Karen Chadwick

Nancy Coxford

Lana Champion

Anna Gauci (4:25 p.m.)

Stan Neal

Michael Rothe

Ernestine Tahedl

 

Regrets:

Mahesh Chokshi

Drew Gerrard

Sammy Lee

Patty Loveland

Robert McCulloch

Bill Pickering

Elizabeth Plashkes

Beverly Schaeffer

Councillor Joe Virgilio

 

 

Staff:

John Ryerson, Director

Katerina Atanassova, Program Coordinator

J. Kee, Committee Clerk

 

 

The 6th 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

 

Mr. Howard Back, Chair, expressed his appreciation to Members of the Board for his appointment as Chair.  He noted that the operation of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham is a team effort and looked forward to working with the other Board Members and outstanding Town staff.

 

 

 

 

 

Copies of the List of Officers and Committees for 2007 and 2008 were distributed.  He reviewed the Chairs, memberships, and mandates of the four (4) Committees, (Art; Development; Volunteer; and Building and Long Range Planning), and noted that the Art Auction and Homes for the Holidays sub-committees will be under the umbrella of the Development Committee.

 

The Chair noted that it would be beneficial to expand the Committee structure beyond the membership of the Board of Directors, and encouraged Members to bring forward names for future consideration. 

 

Minor amendments would be made to the List and redistributed to all Members.

 

 

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

ON MAY 28, 2007

 

The following amendments to the minutes were requested:

  • Page 1 - Michael Rothe to be noted under “Regrets”;
  • Page 6 – Mover of motion to elect Board Officials to be changed from Donald Hindson to Stan Neal; and
  • Page 6 – Motion expressing appreciation to former Chair, Bill Pickering be amended to read as follows:

“Moved by Donald Hindson

Seconded by Howard Back

 

That the minutes record that the Board express its appreciation to Bill Pickering for his role as Chair of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham for the past three years.

CARRIED”

 

Moved by Donald Hindson

Seconded by Brian Ayer

 

That the minutes of the Varley McKay Art Foundation of Markham Board meeting held on Monday, May 28, 2007 be adopted, as amended.

CARRIED

 

 

3.     DIRECTOR’S REPORT - JOHN RYERSON

 

Mr. John Ryerson, Acting Director, Culture and Gallery Director provided information and updates on the following matters:

 

 

  • Reported that a letter had been received from Allan Wargon, Director of the National Film Board documentary on Varley made in the early fifties.  He provided  an oral history to the show, and his additional recollections are most interesting;

 

  • Reviewed the recent local newspaper coverage of the Varley: Portraits into the Light exhibition, however, it was noted that there still appears to be a blockade of major media south of Steeles Avenue.  Generally, the reviews of the show have been outstanding; Members were advised that Ms. Katerina Atanassova, Curator and Program Coordinator, has been receiving warm words of congratulations, including those from Bill Withrow, former Member of the Varley-McKay Board of Directors, and Barry Lord, Lord Cultural Resources, regarding her scholarship, writing skills and achievements relating to the hardcover exhibition catalogue “F.H.Varley: Portraits Into The Light”, published by Dundurn Press;

 

  • Copies of the year to date attendance statistics, as of May 31, 2007, were distributed for information indicating a rise for the first part of the year;

 

  • Advised that the 2008 planning and program budget is well underway.  Going into his fifth year, the Director has taken the position that the Gallery should be able to fund its growth, and changes to the 2008 Budget should be zero-based, and to date, this has been accomplished with the support of the Foundation and the earned revenue from programs and camps;

 

  • Provided overview of plans for upcoming exhibitions 2008; details of each will be presented to the Board in September; information presented this date included:

·            continuation in January of “Celebration of the Human Spirit” portraiture exhibition;

·            “Legally Deaf and Blind” photography show

·            “I Dreamed I was in Picasso’s Shoes tentative

·            “Portraits Into the Light” will tour across Canada to the end of June 2008

·            Art Auction confirmed for May 1, 2008

·            from the National Gallery – “The Painted Photograph”, which combines photography and painting – September 2008

·            Windows of Light will be the main show exploring different Christian views of the icon

·            “Curator’s Choice on Canadian portraiture  show will be launched with the hope that it will become an annual feature

·            Negotiations continuing on an exhibition regarding mid-eastern perspectives on beauty

·            Annual York Juried Show – November-December 2008

 

 

  • Mr. Ryerson noted that in response to a concern expressed regarding there not being a consistent presence of Varley works at the Gallery, staff will ensure that there will be consistent presence of Varley works in the intro gallery  with an ability to refresh at least annually

 

  • Current research projects being undertaken, include:

·        canography, and

·        a John Vanderpant Photography Show

 

·        Letter prepared for the Mayor’s signature thanking The Honorable Bev Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage, for the generous funding relating to the publication “F. H. Varley: Portraits Into the Light”;

 

·        Gallery has been advised that Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada are preparing a commemorative plaque in honour of Varley, and staff have been requested to provide wording for the inscription.  The intention was for the plaque to be located in British Columbia.  Following some discussion regarding the location of the plaque, it was agreed that Dr. Richard Alway, Chairman of the HSMBC, will be contacted to suggest that the Gallery or Unionville be a suitable location for the plaque;

 

·        Advised of recent meeting with Sue Firkser and area police superintendent; John Ryerson has joined an advisory group that meets four times a year; they are looking into how we can extend the Gallery in the community to help with youth issues;

 

·        Advised that work will start soon at the Gallery; painting of all the back room floors; repair of clock tower brick; and in September, the vault storage racks and flooring work;

 

·        MAP (Museums Assistance Program) funding request for $10,000 for improved art storage is pending; Town of Markham has allocated funds to ensure this project can proceed regardless.

 

·        Michelle Sukul-Chan as Cultural Coordinator has been hired to assist Acting Director, Culture; she is the former Manager of the Markham BIA;

 

·        Mr. Jim Sales, Commissioner of Community and Fire Services, has recently retired, and Mr. Allan Seabrooke has been appointed Acting Commissioner while an organizational review is carried out;

 

 

 

 

4.     REQUEST FOR SUPPORT – RESEARCH PROJECTS

        PROGRAM COORDINATOR

 

Ms. Katerina Atanassova, Program Coordinator, provided information on proposed plans for out of Province and out of Country travel required to conduct the necessary research for exhibitions planned for 2008.  Support of the Foundation was requested for the following:

 

  • Ottawa, Ontario –3 days – August 2007 - to select works from Library and Archives Canada; visit Museum of nature; (projected cost of $950);
  • Buffalo, New York – September-October 2007 (budget to be determined);
  • Vancouver, B. C. – 8-10 days – July 2007 - to interview Erica Leach; to investigate photographic material; to conduct research for future publication; to meet with grand-daughter of John Vanderpant; and also with Sheryl Salloum, who wrote the book entitled “Underlying Vibrations: The Photography and Life of John Vanderpant”; to visit Kelowna Art Gallery, and also the Art Gallery of the South Okanogan for potential Chinese and Tibetan exhibition in 2008 or 2009; (projected cost of $2,250);
  • England – 10 days - late fall 2007 – to conduct research in Sheffield on English painter, Cornelius Varley, for future exhibition; (budget to be determined);

 

It was suggested that the potential benefits from donations on Aeroplan and tax donations as incentives be investigated.

 

Mr. Ryerson briefly outlined the requirements of the Town’s Business Expense & Conference Policy relating to out of province travel and approval requirements, and advised that there are funds currently in the budget for research expenses. He advised that the costs for travel to Buffalo, New York would be covered through the Varley Operating Budget.  The Board requested that staff report back with further information regarding the proposed research trip to England.

 

Moved by Stan Neal

Seconded by Ernestine Tahedl

 

That the Board endorse the research plans of the Program Coordinator to travel to Ottawa, Ontario in August 2007, and to Vancouver, British Columbia in July 2007, subject to funds being available in the 2007 Budget.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.     RICH CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN ART

 

It was noted that the Canadian Artists Without Borders Exhibition held earlier this year had been very successful featuring the work of artists who have been living in Canada for ten years or less.

 

In response to a query relating to audience expectations of the mid-eastern exhibition planned for 2008, Mr. Ryerson explained that Markham is moving away from the multi-cultural emphasis in the past to the support of the cultural diversity of the community as a whole.  It is expected that our exhibitions will reflect the diversity of cultures and promote intercultural understanding of all Canadians through art.

 

 

6.     FINANCIAL REPORT

 

The Chair advised that he and the Treasurer had met with Town staff recently, and on a go forward basis, quarterly financial statements of the Foundation will be presented to the Board.  The first Statements will be presented to the Board in September for the six month period ending June 30, 2007.

 

The Business Plan is still being worked on for 2008, 2009 and 2010, and will be presented to the Board some time in the fall.

 

 

7.     UPCOMING DATES

 

Markham Jazz Festival – August 17-19, 2007 –  The 10th Anniversary Gala is scheduled for Saturday, August 11 at the Varley Gallery, and concerts are being held in the Varley Art Gallery Patio on Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19. 

 

Plein Air Art Event and Sale - August 25-26, 2007 – This is in conjunction with the Doors Open Markham event which attracts crowds to tour heritage buildings in Markham.  The Varley Art Gallery will be participating in this event with extended showing at McKay Arts Centre.

 

Homes for the Holiday Annual House Tour – November 16-17, 2007 – Ms. Karen Chadwick advised that Kylemore Homes Ltd. will be the Premier Sponsor of the event, and Scotiabank will also be a major sponsor.

 

Mayor’s Gala for the Arts – Thursday, October 25, 2007 at the Hilton Suites Hotel -

Members discussed the feasibility of purchasing one table for ten, and Mr. Ryerson advised that he will follow up on this.

 

Unionville Golf Street Party – July 26-29, 2007 – On Main Street Unionville – Associated with the Canadian Open at Angus Glen Golf Club – golf themed activities; Gallery will be open until 10:p.m; nightly entertainment.

 

 

8.     COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Volunteer Committee – Ms. Lana Champion, Chair, reported that the Volunteer Appreciation Event is being held on Wednesday, June 27, and noted that the volunteers have been very helpful as greeters, and more are being recruited for the summer camp programs.

 

Development Committee – Ms. Nancy Coxford, Chair, reported that plans are underway to establish a schedule of donors, so that they would be well recognized and encouraged to be involved with the Gallery on a regular basis.  A direct mail campaign has been suggested which could begin in the fall, and it was hoped that Board Members would be able to assist.  The status of fund-raising for the Gordon Foundation was briefly discussed.

 

Art Committee – No report

 

Building and Long Range Planning – No report

 

 

9.     OTHER BUSINESS

 

Education Program – Mr. Ryerson reported that the education program team has been working to raise the profile of the Gallery’s outreach to the local schools and that Sue Firkser has recently dropped off packages to the schools, which include complimentary free admission to the Gallery for 7500 students, and the opportunity to win a children’s’ art class for the school.

 

"Signing Authority - Banking Resolution – The Chair raised the matter of the requirement for a new banking resolution due to the recent changes in signing authorities. 

 

**Moved by Don Hindson

Seconded by Michael Rothe

 

That the signing officers of the Corporation for manual cheques be Andy Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services, and Barb Roth, Director of Recreation Services, and in the event that either Andy Taylor or Barb Roth are not present, it be two officers: Andy Taylor or Barb Roth, together with one of the Chair or Treasurer.

CARRIED

 

 

**NOTE: Subsequent to the Board Meeting this date, a discussion was held with the Town’s Finance Department, and it was determined that the motion is not necessary at this time.  Barb Roth will continue to be signing authority, and a new banking resolution will be put forward for consideration by the Board once the Town appoints a new Commissioner responsible for Culture."

 

Members Profiles – The Chair requested that those Members who have not prepared a personal profile, to please do so as soon as possible and send it to John Ryerson’s new Assistant, who will compile and place on the Gallery’s website.  Copies of those previously received have been distributed to all Members.

 

Members Contact Information Listing – Members were asked to review the Contact Information Listing distributed this date and advise the Clerk of any changes required.  Members were also requested to advise of the preferred contact telephone number.

 

Municipal Public Art Plan Update – Mr. Ryerson updated Members on the status of the Town’s Public Art Plan, noting that a staff presentation, with recommendations, will be going to Council soon.  Details of the Plan will be circulated to Members for their information.

 

Update on Future Expansion of Gallery – Mr. Ryerson advised that a meeting had been held recently with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority and it has been determined that there is a building footprint available for future expansion of the Gallery.  Town staff are reviewing 1997 records regarding geology testing carried out at that time and more details will be provided in the fall.

 

Meeting of Committee Chairs Re Fall Planning – The Chair suggested that a meeting should be arranged with the Chairs of all Committees to review plans for the fall.  He will contact all Chairs to discuss a suitable meeting date.

 

 

10.    DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

Due to a number of expected absences on Monday, September 24, Members agreed to re-schedule the September meeting.  The next regular meeting of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation Board is scheduled for:

 

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

IN THE GALLERIES AT THE ART GALLERY.

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Moved by Brian Ayer

Seconded by Michael Rothe

 

That the 6th meeting of 2007 of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham Board adjourn. (5:30 p.m.)

CARRIED