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]