Open Forum

From the press release dated August 20, 2015, from the office of the President of Wilkes University, Patrick F. Leahy:

"We have created a three-part revitalization plan for the Sordoni Art Gallery.  The first part is to create a permanent, dedicated endowment, projected to be upwards of $2 million, that will be used to bring to our campus and community high-quality art exhibits from nationally and internationally known artists. To create this endowment and fund the annual schedule of exhibitions, Wilkes will de-accession selected pieces of the collection.  The sale of the art will be combined with the existing endowment to create funds needed for a substantial permanent and dedicated endowment, improve the academic experience for our students, faculty, and enrich the arts experience for our community.

There are than 1,500 pieces in the collection, and it has been determined that approximately 65 works comprise the majority of the monetary value.  The respected auction house Sotheby's will assist in the de-accessioning process.  The sale of the collection is estimated to yield around $1.3 million. It should be noted that no works by Wilkes faculty will be sold." [end of quote]

I felt that this should be shared across the board for both comments and for general knowledge.  I have written letters to the editors of the local newspapers and copied President Leahy as well stating that this clearly goes against all professionally accepted guidelines, and shared policies and procedures.  And I added that by following through on their intentions to sell the works for this purpose the University runs the risk of jeopardizing any future engagement (especially regarding loans to any projected exhibitions at this gallery) from other museums or university galleries.  I believe they need to hear this directly from as many members of the AAM as possible.  The University address is: Wilkes University, 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766. (their phone number is 1-800-WILKES-U)  Thank you... and please share....

------------------------------
Robert Schweitzer
Curator, The Maslow Collection
Marywood University Art Galleries
Scranton PA
------------------------------

De-accessioning collection items is often a controversial procedure.  Being unfamiliar with the mission of the Wilkes University facility, I'm not prepared to comment on whether or not their plan is consistent or appropriate.  However, I struggle with the general idea of selling part of a museum collection in order to finance continued operation of the museum.  Sadly, recent economic trends have often put many museums in such a position as to make such ideas seem reasonable (or at least feasible).  As the leadership of an increasing number of museums now comes from the corporate sector, we're starting to see more controversial decisions like this that often are more "bottom line" and "business" oriented rather than what might be expected from a museum. 

I definitely have difficulty calling Sotheby's auction house "respected" after seeing their involvement in the sale of illegally collected/imported fossil specimens.  Too often the desire for a fat commission seems to eclipse the obligation of due diligence when they accept items for auction.  When it is later determined that they're selling stolen or illegal items, their response usually sounds like, "hey, we're just the facilitators here, and the owner told us everything was legitimate!"  I'm not sure what the law says in such cases, but it feels like they're being treated rather gently in such cases.  Generally, if a car dealer is selling stolen cars, both the thieves who stole the cars and the dealer who sells them are prosecuted. 

------------------------------
Michael Holland
Principal/Owner
Michael Holland Productions
Bozeman MT
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2015 12:39 PM
From: Robert Schweitzer
Subject: Plan by Wilkes University to sell works of art from their collection to fund a new gallery and staff...

From the press release dated August 20, 2015, from the office of the President of Wilkes University, Patrick F. Leahy:

"We have created a three-part revitalization plan for the Sordoni Art Gallery.  The first part is to create a permanent, dedicated endowment, projected to be upwards of $2 million, that will be used to bring to our campus and community high-quality art exhibits from nationally and internationally known artists. To create this endowment and fund the annual schedule of exhibitions, Wilkes will de-accession selected pieces of the collection.  The sale of the art will be combined with the existing endowment to create funds needed for a substantial permanent and dedicated endowment, improve the academic experience for our students, faculty, and enrich the arts experience for our community.

There are than 1,500 pieces in the collection, and it has been determined that approximately 65 works comprise the majority of the monetary value.  The respected auction house Sotheby's will assist in the de-accessioning process.  The sale of the collection is estimated to yield around $1.3 million. It should be noted that no works by Wilkes faculty will be sold." [end of quote]

I felt that this should be shared across the board for both comments and for general knowledge.  I have written letters to the editors of the local newspapers and copied President Leahy as well stating that this clearly goes against all professionally accepted guidelines, and shared policies and procedures.  And I added that by following through on their intentions to sell the works for this purpose the University runs the risk of jeopardizing any future engagement (especially regarding loans to any projected exhibitions at this gallery) from other museums or university galleries.  I believe they need to hear this directly from as many members of the AAM as possible.  The University address is: Wilkes University, 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766. (their phone number is 1-800-WILKES-U)  Thank you... and please share....

------------------------------
Robert Schweitzer
Curator, The Maslow Collection
Marywood University Art Galleries
Scranton PA
------------------------------

De-accessioning collection items is often a controversial procedure.  Being unfamiliar with the mission of the Wilkes University facility, I'm not prepared to comment on whether or not their plan is consistent or appropriate.  However, I struggle with the general idea of selling part of a museum collection in order to finance continued operation of the museum.  Sadly, recent economic trends have often put many museums in such a position as to make such ideas seem reasonable (or at least feasible).  As the leadership of an increasing number of museums now comes from the corporate sector, we're starting to see more controversial decisions like this that often are more "bottom line" and "business" oriented rather than what might be expected from a museum. 

I definitely have difficulty calling Sotheby's auction house "respected" after seeing their involvement in the sale of illegally collected/imported fossil specimens.  Too often the desire for a fat commission seems to eclipse the obligation of due diligence when they accept items for auction.  When it is later determined that they're selling stolen or illegal items, their response usually sounds like, "hey, we're just the facilitators here, and the owner told us everything was legitimate!"  I'm not sure what the law says in such cases, but it feels like they're being treated rather gently in such cases.  Generally, if a car dealer is selling stolen cars, both the thieves who stole the cars and the dealer who sells them are prosecuted. 

------------------------------
Michael Holland
Principal/Owner
Michael Holland Productions
Bozeman MT
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2015 12:39 PM
From: Robert Schweitzer
Subject: Plan by Wilkes University to sell works of art from their collection to fund a new gallery and staff...

From the press release dated August 20, 2015, from the office of the President of Wilkes University, Patrick F. Leahy:

"We have created a three-part revitalization plan for the Sordoni Art Gallery.  The first part is to create a permanent, dedicated endowment, projected to be upwards of $2 million, that will be used to bring to our campus and community high-quality art exhibits from nationally and internationally known artists. To create this endowment and fund the annual schedule of exhibitions, Wilkes will de-accession selected pieces of the collection.  The sale of the art will be combined with the existing endowment to create funds needed for a substantial permanent and dedicated endowment, improve the academic experience for our students, faculty, and enrich the arts experience for our community.

There are than 1,500 pieces in the collection, and it has been determined that approximately 65 works comprise the majority of the monetary value.  The respected auction house Sotheby's will assist in the de-accessioning process.  The sale of the collection is estimated to yield around $1.3 million. It should be noted that no works by Wilkes faculty will be sold." [end of quote]

I felt that this should be shared across the board for both comments and for general knowledge.  I have written letters to the editors of the local newspapers and copied President Leahy as well stating that this clearly goes against all professionally accepted guidelines, and shared policies and procedures.  And I added that by following through on their intentions to sell the works for this purpose the University runs the risk of jeopardizing any future engagement (especially regarding loans to any projected exhibitions at this gallery) from other museums or university galleries.  I believe they need to hear this directly from as many members of the AAM as possible.  The University address is: Wilkes University, 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766. (their phone number is 1-800-WILKES-U)  Thank you... and please share....

------------------------------
Robert Schweitzer
Curator, The Maslow Collection
Marywood University Art Galleries
Scranton PA
------------------------------

From the press release dated August 20, 2015, from the office of the President of Wilkes University, Patrick F. Leahy:

"We have created a three-part revitalization plan for the Sordoni Art Gallery.  The first part is to create a permanent, dedicated endowment, projected to be upwards of $2 million, that will be used to bring to our campus and community high-quality art exhibits from nationally and internationally known artists. To create this endowment and fund the annual schedule of exhibitions, Wilkes will de-accession selected pieces of the collection.  The sale of the art will be combined with the existing endowment to create funds needed for a substantial permanent and dedicated endowment, improve the academic experience for our students, faculty, and enrich the arts experience for our community.

There are than 1,500 pieces in the collection, and it has been determined that approximately 65 works comprise the majority of the monetary value.  The respected auction house Sotheby's will assist in the de-accessioning process.  The sale of the collection is estimated to yield around $1.3 million. It should be noted that no works by Wilkes faculty will be sold." [end of quote]

I felt that this should be shared across the board for both comments and for general knowledge.  I have written letters to the editors of the local newspapers and copied President Leahy as well stating that this clearly goes against all professionally accepted guidelines, and shared policies and procedures.  And I added that by following through on their intentions to sell the works for this purpose the University runs the risk of jeopardizing any future engagement (especially regarding loans to any projected exhibitions at this gallery) from other museums or university galleries.  I believe they need to hear this directly from as many members of the AAM as possible.  The University address is: Wilkes University, 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766. (their phone number is 1-800-WILKES-U)  Thank you... and please share....

------------------------------
Robert Schweitzer
Curator, The Maslow Collection
Marywood University Art Galleries
Scranton PA
------------------------------

It seems apparent from the University's statement that their 'revitalization' plan does not include conforming to the normative ethic of museum professionals world-wide or regionally, including as codified by ICOM, AAMD, and AAM, regarding the safeguarding and management of collections, including deaccessioning.

The university states that proposed sale is of highly monetized objects in their collection and for realization of that monetary value. They do not refer to a collecting policy, or suggest that the objects are redundant/out of collecting scope, which might justify deaccession.

The proceeds are intended for operational expenses and a future endowment, but the purpose of that endowment is fuzzy, especially if the museum's past practice is selling off collections as a source of revenue.

Auction houses will deal nearly anything presented to them, for a commission. It is the practice for which they are 'respected,' along with maintaining a fine showroom, of course. But especially in the current economy, odds are against Wilkes Uni receiving the magnificent sum they expect.

All of this calls into question how the governance of the museum – the university – understands its role and responsibilities.

http://icom.museum/the-vision/code-of-ethics/

https://aamd.org/sites/default/files/document/2011ProfessionalPracitiesinArtMuseums.pdf

http://aam-us.org/resources/ethics-standards-and-best-practices/code-of-ethics

------------------------------
Kevin Coffee
Chicago IL
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2015 12:39 PM
From: Robert Schweitzer
Subject: Plan by Wilkes University to sell works of art from their collection to fund a new gallery and staff...

From the press release dated August 20, 2015, from the office of the President of Wilkes University, Patrick F. Leahy:

"We have created a three-part revitalization plan for the Sordoni Art Gallery.  The first part is to create a permanent, dedicated endowment, projected to be upwards of $2 million, that will be used to bring to our campus and community high-quality art exhibits from nationally and internationally known artists. To create this endowment and fund the annual schedule of exhibitions, Wilkes will de-accession selected pieces of the collection.  The sale of the art will be combined with the existing endowment to create funds needed for a substantial permanent and dedicated endowment, improve the academic experience for our students, faculty, and enrich the arts experience for our community.

There are than 1,500 pieces in the collection, and it has been determined that approximately 65 works comprise the majority of the monetary value.  The respected auction house Sotheby's will assist in the de-accessioning process.  The sale of the collection is estimated to yield around $1.3 million. It should be noted that no works by Wilkes faculty will be sold." [end of quote]

I felt that this should be shared across the board for both comments and for general knowledge.  I have written letters to the editors of the local newspapers and copied President Leahy as well stating that this clearly goes against all professionally accepted guidelines, and shared policies and procedures.  And I added that by following through on their intentions to sell the works for this purpose the University runs the risk of jeopardizing any future engagement (especially regarding loans to any projected exhibitions at this gallery) from other museums or university galleries.  I believe they need to hear this directly from as many members of the AAM as possible.  The University address is: Wilkes University, 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766. (their phone number is 1-800-WILKES-U)  Thank you... and please share....

------------------------------
Robert Schweitzer
Curator, The Maslow Collection
Marywood University Art Galleries
Scranton PA
------------------------------

I don't think Wilkes University administrators would even understand why we're horrified by this plan.  They've never called their collection a museum -- not in the mission & vision statements, nor on the website -- and they clearly intend it to function on the model of a for-profit art gallery (without the profit).  I also couldn't find staff listed for their "gallery", so they may not meet the AAM minimum criteria for a museum.

Having said that, I'm still appalled.  The general public won't make a distinction and it makes the rest of us look foolish.  :-(

------------------------------
Suzanne LeSar MLS
Research Associate II
Textiles and Clothing Museum
Ames IA
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-11-2015 10:04 AM
From: Kevin Coffee
Subject: Plan by Wilkes University to sell works of art from their collection to fund a new gallery and staff...

It seems apparent from the University's statement that their 'revitalization' plan does not include conforming to the normative ethic of museum professionals world-wide or regionally, including as codified by ICOM, AAMD, and AAM, regarding the safeguarding and management of collections, including deaccessioning.

The university states that proposed sale is of highly monetized objects in their collection and for realization of that monetary value. They do not refer to a collecting policy, or suggest that the objects are redundant/out of collecting scope, which might justify deaccession.

The proceeds are intended for operational expenses and a future endowment, but the purpose of that endowment is fuzzy, especially if the museum's past practice is selling off collections as a source of revenue.

Auction houses will deal nearly anything presented to them, for a commission. It is the practice for which they are 'respected,' along with maintaining a fine showroom, of course. But especially in the current economy, odds are against Wilkes Uni receiving the magnificent sum they expect.

All of this calls into question how the governance of the museum – the university – understands its role and responsibilities.

http://icom.museum/the-vision/code-of-ethics/

https://aamd.org/sites/default/files/document/2011ProfessionalPracitiesinArtMuseums.pdf

http://aam-us.org/resources/ethics-standards-and-best-practices/code-of-ethics

------------------------------
Kevin Coffee
Chicago IL
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2015 12:39 PM
From: Robert Schweitzer
Subject: Plan by Wilkes University to sell works of art from their collection to fund a new gallery and staff...

From the press release dated August 20, 2015, from the office of the President of Wilkes University, Patrick F. Leahy:

"We have created a three-part revitalization plan for the Sordoni Art Gallery.  The first part is to create a permanent, dedicated endowment, projected to be upwards of $2 million, that will be used to bring to our campus and community high-quality art exhibits from nationally and internationally known artists. To create this endowment and fund the annual schedule of exhibitions, Wilkes will de-accession selected pieces of the collection.  The sale of the art will be combined with the existing endowment to create funds needed for a substantial permanent and dedicated endowment, improve the academic experience for our students, faculty, and enrich the arts experience for our community.

There are than 1,500 pieces in the collection, and it has been determined that approximately 65 works comprise the majority of the monetary value.  The respected auction house Sotheby's will assist in the de-accessioning process.  The sale of the collection is estimated to yield around $1.3 million. It should be noted that no works by Wilkes faculty will be sold." [end of quote]

I felt that this should be shared across the board for both comments and for general knowledge.  I have written letters to the editors of the local newspapers and copied President Leahy as well stating that this clearly goes against all professionally accepted guidelines, and shared policies and procedures.  And I added that by following through on their intentions to sell the works for this purpose the University runs the risk of jeopardizing any future engagement (especially regarding loans to any projected exhibitions at this gallery) from other museums or university galleries.  I believe they need to hear this directly from as many members of the AAM as possible.  The University address is: Wilkes University, 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766. (their phone number is 1-800-WILKES-U)  Thank you... and please share....

------------------------------
Robert Schweitzer
Curator, The Maslow Collection
Marywood University Art Galleries
Scranton PA
------------------------------

It seems apparent from the University's statement that their 'revitalization' plan does not include conforming to the normative ethic of museum professionals world-wide or regionally, including as codified by ICOM, AAMD, and AAM, regarding the safeguarding and management of collections, including deaccessioning.

The university states that proposed sale is of highly monetized objects in their collection and for realization of that monetary value. They do not refer to a collecting policy, or suggest that the objects are redundant/out of collecting scope, which might justify deaccession.

The proceeds are intended for operational expenses and a future endowment, but the purpose of that endowment is fuzzy, especially if the museum's past practice is selling off collections as a source of revenue.

Auction houses will deal nearly anything presented to them, for a commission. It is the practice for which they are 'respected,' along with maintaining a fine showroom, of course. But especially in the current economy, odds are against Wilkes Uni receiving the magnificent sum they expect.

All of this calls into question how the governance of the museum – the university – understands its role and responsibilities.

http://icom.museum/the-vision/code-of-ethics/

https://aamd.org/sites/default/files/document/2011ProfessionalPracitiesinArtMuseums.pdf

http://aam-us.org/resources/ethics-standards-and-best-practices/code-of-ethics

------------------------------
Kevin Coffee
Chicago IL
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2015 12:39 PM
From: Robert Schweitzer
Subject: Plan by Wilkes University to sell works of art from their collection to fund a new gallery and staff...

From the press release dated August 20, 2015, from the office of the President of Wilkes University, Patrick F. Leahy:

"We have created a three-part revitalization plan for the Sordoni Art Gallery.  The first part is to create a permanent, dedicated endowment, projected to be upwards of $2 million, that will be used to bring to our campus and community high-quality art exhibits from nationally and internationally known artists. To create this endowment and fund the annual schedule of exhibitions, Wilkes will de-accession selected pieces of the collection.  The sale of the art will be combined with the existing endowment to create funds needed for a substantial permanent and dedicated endowment, improve the academic experience for our students, faculty, and enrich the arts experience for our community.

There are than 1,500 pieces in the collection, and it has been determined that approximately 65 works comprise the majority of the monetary value.  The respected auction house Sotheby's will assist in the de-accessioning process.  The sale of the collection is estimated to yield around $1.3 million. It should be noted that no works by Wilkes faculty will be sold." [end of quote]

I felt that this should be shared across the board for both comments and for general knowledge.  I have written letters to the editors of the local newspapers and copied President Leahy as well stating that this clearly goes against all professionally accepted guidelines, and shared policies and procedures.  And I added that by following through on their intentions to sell the works for this purpose the University runs the risk of jeopardizing any future engagement (especially regarding loans to any projected exhibitions at this gallery) from other museums or university galleries.  I believe they need to hear this directly from as many members of the AAM as possible.  The University address is: Wilkes University, 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766. (their phone number is 1-800-WILKES-U)  Thank you... and please share....

------------------------------
Robert Schweitzer
Curator, The Maslow Collection
Marywood University Art Galleries
Scranton PA
------------------------------

From the press release dated August 20, 2015, from the office of the President of Wilkes University, Patrick F. Leahy:

"We have created a three-part revitalization plan for the Sordoni Art Gallery.  The first part is to create a permanent, dedicated endowment, projected to be upwards of $2 million, that will be used to bring to our campus and community high-quality art exhibits from nationally and internationally known artists. To create this endowment and fund the annual schedule of exhibitions, Wilkes will de-accession selected pieces of the collection.  The sale of the art will be combined with the existing endowment to create funds needed for a substantial permanent and dedicated endowment, improve the academic experience for our students, faculty, and enrich the arts experience for our community.

There are than 1,500 pieces in the collection, and it has been determined that approximately 65 works comprise the majority of the monetary value.  The respected auction house Sotheby's will assist in the de-accessioning process.  The sale of the collection is estimated to yield around $1.3 million. It should be noted that no works by Wilkes faculty will be sold." [end of quote]

I felt that this should be shared across the board for both comments and for general knowledge.  I have written letters to the editors of the local newspapers and copied President Leahy as well stating that this clearly goes against all professionally accepted guidelines, and shared policies and procedures.  And I added that by following through on their intentions to sell the works for this purpose the University runs the risk of jeopardizing any future engagement (especially regarding loans to any projected exhibitions at this gallery) from other museums or university galleries.  I believe they need to hear this directly from as many members of the AAM as possible.  The University address is: Wilkes University, 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766. (their phone number is 1-800-WILKES-U)  Thank you... and please share....

------------------------------
Robert Schweitzer
Curator, The Maslow Collection
Marywood University Art Galleries
Scranton PA
------------------------------