Riva -

Last week I responded to a similar query that was posted on the Association
of College and University Museums and Galleries of New Engaland
([log in to unmask]) list, and you might contact John Awald at
[log in to unmask] to find out further results.

I do not have any committees overseeing the gallery of which I am director.
My guess is that this is unusual among university galleries.  If the
option is truly open to you, I would strongly suggest that your committee
be kept advisory only.  I have sought out an informal group of advisors on
our faculty with whom I discuss exhibit ideas, and have been able to head
off the formation of a formal oversight committee.  Such committees, I
think, rarely lead to wiser management, and instead become political and
bureaucratic.  Certainly it is the responsibility of a gallery or museum
director to seek input from the university community.  But if this can be
accomplished informally, I think it is better.  Once formed, committees
have a way of becoming dictatorial and not necessarily more responsive or
inclusive than an informed and sensitive individual director would be.

On 10/9 Riva Feshbach wrote:

>I am the curator (and complete staff) of the DePaul University Art Gallery.
> During the past few years the art gallery has gone through a number of
>changes including its separation from the Art Department and the
>formation of an advisory committee.  The committee in particular seems to
>be foundering a bit and I need some insight, advice and information.  Is
>there anyone on this bulletin board in a similar situation>  If so, I'd
>appreciate hearing from you, esp. re:  the following kinds of questions:
>-how big is your gallery (approx. operatining budget)?
>-who is on the committee (how many members and from what parts of
>the university)?
>-who chairs the committee?
>-how often does the committee meet?
>-what is the role of the committee (advising, decision making, etc.)?
>
>I'm sure that there are more questions I can ask, but this is a good start.
>Please respond to me either through Museum-L or directly at
>
>[log in to unmask]
>
>thanks.
>Riva Feshbach
>Curator
>DePaul University Art Gallery

Stephen Nowlin
Vice President
Director, Alyce de Roulet Williamson Gallery
Art Center College of Design
1700 Lida Street
Pasadena, California 91103  USA
(818)396-2397vox (818)405-9104fax
[log in to unmask]