Reframing American Masterpieces at the What’S Inside Cleveland Museum of Art
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
November 2014 In a New Light: Reframing American Masterpieces at the What’s Inside Cleveland Museum of Art Over the past several years, we have reframed several of our most important American paintings in order to enhance their aesthetic and historical appeal. Our undertaking, still in pro- gress, has two goals: restoring antique frames in the collection; and, through careful research, securing top-quality antique or replica frames for paintings whose original adornments no longer exist. This presentation will cover a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the process, with “before” and “after” images demonstrating how we have improved the visual impact of many of our greatest treasures. Save Mark Cole, Ph.D. Curator of American Painting and These Dates Sculpture Sanford R. Gifford, A Home in the Wilderness, 1866, after reframing. The Womens Council of the Cleveland Museum of Art | www.wccma.net 2 Jottings November 2014 Dear Members, skills to the many volunteer opportunities offered by WC/CMA. In addition to our “transformation” and stellar perma- nent collection, there is a lot to celebrate at CMA. For The New Member proposers and seconders provide an example, our fabulous curators who support and over- important component of the process by shepherding see the collections, and also ensure that we benefit their candidates through the orientation process. This from significant special exhibitions. includes inviting them to our Membership Programs (with the exception of March when candidates are vot- Those who attended our October Membership Program ed on). When you see them, please extend a warm had the privilege of joining Barbara Tannenbaum, Cura- welcome. As you know, it is both a privilege and a re- tor of Photography, for an “insider’s” understanding of sponsibility to be a WC member. Forbidden Games. WC access to our curators is extraor- dinary, as is our access to our new Director. Bill Gris- Each November the Association of Fundraising Profes- wold started off the program by expressing his appreci- sionals sets aside a special day to recognize great phil- ation of the Womens Council and sharing with us his anthropic contributions. This leads me to introduce the immediate priorities for the near future. By the sound WC Annual Fund Campaign to be launched this Novem- of the audience applause – there is no doubt that very ber. Our Fundraising Chair Carol Provan’s missive (see enthusiastic supporters welcomed him. inside) clearly explains why we are embarking on an Annual Fund. When you receive your letter from our The November WC Arts Dialogues program with inaugural Annual Fund Co-Chairs Clara Rankin and Peta Nottingham Spirk, a local innovation and design firm, is Moskowitz, please keep in mind that our goal is that another special opportunity available to us. We will everyone will participate, as they feel appropriate. have the chance to learn how their innovative designs are affecting our local, national, and global economies; As stated in our Mission Statement, “...Individually and and tour their facility, originally designed in 1930 by collectively, our members engage with the museum by Walker and Weeks as the First Church of Christian Sci- participating in educational programs, volunteering, ence. As you may know, it’s an historic building with and providing financial support.” For me, an especially very interesting ties to Severance Hall. Come learn exciting aspect of the launch of our Annual Fund, will more. be initiating an opportunity for all of our members to play an active role in determining how our funds are You can also take advantage this month of the oppor- directed in support of CMA. tunity to hear Dr. Mark Cole, Curator of American Painting and Sculpture, speak at the November 11 We plan to share the potential giving options with you Membership Program about the importance of the in April. Then you can cast your vote for your preferred proper frame. Invite a WC or personal friend to join plan of action. The results will be announced at the you. Plan to stay for lunch and tour the galleries after- May Annual Membership Program. ward. Make a day of it. Contributions come in many forms. Please know that Once again, we are looking forward to a fully sub- the time, talent, and treasure of the WC is recognized scribed New Member class. Bonnie Miller, New Mem- and most appreciated by CMA. Fifty-two weeks out of bers Chair, and Ginger Ratcliffe, New Members Co- the year a perfect visual example greets every visitor as Chair, have thoughtfully reviewed the proposal process they walk through the North Lobby and admire the WC and materials with our Membership team. For exam- pedestal arrangements (something that has not gone ple, while CMA was undergoing its transformation, ex- unnoticed by our new Director). pecting a first year volunteer commitment was not fea- sible. Now that the museum is running full speed (and Opportunities abound. beyond) – we are delighted to be able to implement an expectation of a minimum of 10 hours in a new mem- See you around the museum, ber’s first year. Volunteer Chair Cheryl Jerome, New Members Liaison Chair Cathy Annable, and our CMA Sabrina Liaison Diane DeBevec will meet one-on-one with our 2014 New Members to help match their interests and 3 Jottings November 2014 Flower Fund Dedication The Flower Fund dedicates the pedestal arrangement the week of November 3rd to Thon Alicia- Burlingame. Rain, sleet, or snow, Thon never fails to get fantastic photos of the weekly pedestal arrange- ments. Fifty-two weeks of the year she is ready with her camera to capture these creations in lasting im- ages for our archives. If the flowers are not fully open, she often returns a second time to catch the ar- rangement in its prime. We honor and thank her for her dedication to Flower Fund. Leslie Halloran and Isa Ranganathan, Flower Fund Committee Co-Chairs 4 Jottings November 2014 Fundraising Program Plans Since its establishment in 1941, the Womens Council has been a significant supporting organi- zation for the Cleveland Museum of Art. As volunteers, members have staffed virtually every outreach project and many museum visitor experience functions. In addition to the value of hours donated by volunteers, Womens Council funds donated since 1951 would be catego- rized as major gifts, every year. If you review the annual gifts listed in your Member Roster, you will agree that our contributions have been significant. Prior to the museum’s Transformation campaign, the Womens Council had a more active event-based fundraising profile. During the campaign, we held off planning conflicting events. However, without that event income, the Womens Council’s capacity to respond to curator and staff proposals has been diminished. To gradually return to its former level of financial support for museum projects that represent our organizational focus, the Womens Council is inaugurating an annual fund and making short- and long- range plans for member events. Shortly, you will receive an annual fund gift solicitation from Honorary Co-Chairs, Clara Rankin and Peta Moskowitz. Annual fund gifts received will be considered unrestricted, in comparison to gifts that are giv- en for specific uses, like the Flower Fund or Conservation Endowment. Giving to the museum through the Womens Council Annual Fund focuses the use of those funds on projects that resonate as our group’s priorities, such as volunteering and education. At the April member- ship meeting, members will have the opportunity to vote on proposals submitted by the mu- seum and select the 2014-15 projects to fund. The annual fund solicitation seeks 100% member participation and has set no specific dollar goal. All gifts are valued. Any events planned will have an expectation of raising funds but will have an equal expectation of camaraderie. Please give the letter careful consideration and look forward to news about fun events in the coming months. Submitted by Carol Provan, Fundraising Chair 5 Jottings November 2014 A History of Giving Pottery by Toshiko Takaezu - Multiple-Spouted Bottle, 1958.282 Pottery by Toshiko Takaezu - Stoneware Bowl, 1958.283 Pottery by Toshiko Takaezu - Bottle, 1958.284 Sculpture by Henry Moore - Helmet Head (1952), 1958.470 Album Leaf, China, Southern Song Dynasty - Birds and Ducks by a Pottery, Mexico - Dwarf Effigy Vessel, 91.20, A Fiftieth Bronze Sculpture, Iran, Luristan - Ibex, Snowy Bank, 1961.260 Anniversary Gift of the Womens Council in honor of 1956.554 in honor of the museum's Fifti- the Museum's Seventy-fifth Anniversary. eth Anniversary. 6 Jottings November 2014 Flower Fund Celebrates 25 Years On October 2, 1989, the Womens Council was able to establish its long desired Flower Fund to provide elegant floral arrange- ments to welcome visitors to the Cleveland Museum of Art. Working with the late Josephine Talbott, we made the decision to bring a top ranking Ikebana Professor from Japan to give a demonstration in Gartner Auditorium. This was in connection with a benefit luncheon to raise money for a Flower Fund En- dowment. Through the years, the efforts of many Flower Fund Committee volunteers have visually enriched the North Lobby entrance of museum and we hear of some people coming specifically to view the new floral designs every week. To be a Flower Fund Committee member is an honor and a great responsibility. It is with immense gratitude that I thank all those who so generously support the Flower Fund as well those who give their time and talents to keep the pedestal arrangements in pristine condition welcoming visitors in such a special way to the Museum. Ingrid Luders Flower Fund Co- Founder 7 Jottings November 2014 Museum Ambassadors Welcomed Museum Ambassadors kicked off the year with a mix- ture of apprentices (1st year participants) and masters Nottingham Spirk Innovation Center (second year participants) working together on projects to enliven the museum galleries for teens during CMA’s The Art of Creation 2016 centennial celebration.