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Medium THE MAGAZINE OF THE BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART WINTER // 2018 Magic City Realism RICHARD COE’S BIRMINGHAM
MEDIUM // WINTER / SPRING // 2018
HOURS C O N T E N TS
Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm The Birmingham Museum of
Sunday, Noon–5pm Art publishes the membership 4 Special Feature
magazine, Medium, quarterly.
Closed Mondays and select holidays
Don Wood Retires Dear Member,
Honoring an Expert
T E L E PH ONES
It is both a pleasure and a privilege to write to you for the first time as the R. Hugh
Main Office, 205.254.2565 Daniel Director of the Birmingham Museum Art, where I have served for the past
8 Exhibitions
eleven years. I am excited for this opportunity and grateful for the kind words of
Public Programs, 205.254.2571
Accredited by the American Magic City Realism support and advice that I have received from so many of you. There is naturally a
Museum Tours, 205.254.2964
Alliance of Museums. A portion great deal of curiosity concerning my future plans for the Museum. As a supporter
Membership, 205.254.2389 American Modern
of the general operating of our Museum, I’d like to share those plans with you. My first priority is to make
Development, 205.297.8214 budget is supported by the Third Space Rotation our building a place of which we can all be proud. Our beloved Museum has served
City of Birmingham and a its visitors well, but is beginning to show its age. Fresh paint, vibrant and creative
Oscar’s at the Museum
grant from the Alabama State signage, and renewed attention to amenities will go a long way toward continuing
Tuesday–Friday, 11am–2pm;
Council on the Arts and the 12 Programs + Events to make it an inviting and enjoyable space for our visitors for years to come. For the
205.328.7850; oscars@artsbma.org;
National Endowment for the next five years, we hope to serve an additional 12,000 visitors each year, with the
Members receive a 10% discount Ongoing Programs One’s destination is never a place,
Arts. ultimate goal of increasing our annual attendance from 120,000 to 180,000 visitors.
Facilities Rental Asian Heritage Festival but rather a new way of looking at things.
These visitors will not only experience a welcoming space filled with exceptional and
Jestina Howard, Special Events: thought-provoking art, but also new methods for discovering and understanding our
Chapter 04 —From Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch
205.254.2681; jhoward@artsbma.org The mission of the Birmingham collections, including the multimedia experience provided by our smartguide, which
Callahan Lecture (1957), by Henry Miller (1891–1980), American writer
Museum of Art is to spark the enables individuals to easily access with their smartphones a rich trove of informa-
Clarence B. Hanson, Jr. Library
creativity, imagination, and Rushton Concert tion about the works on view.
By appointment: library@artsbma.org
liveliness of Birmingham by
The Museum Store Holi Festival
connecting all its citizens to We will also strive to create a greater sense of place at the BMA—to emphasize for visitors that our location in
Open Museum hours; the experience, meaning, and Photo by Beau Gustafson Birmingham, Alabama is one of the things that makes us special and unique. Recently, I was reminded of how much
Members receive a 10% discount; joy of art. this matters when Holland Cotter, co-chief art critic of the New York Times, named our Third Space exhibition to the
14 News + Giving
205.254.2777; kallen@artsbma.org; “Best Art of 2017,” writing:
www.birminghammuseumstore.org
New Deputy Director Named
Third Space, at the Birmingham Museum of Art in Alabama, is technically an installation of contemporary
Volunteer Spotlight art from the collection. But it’s more than that: It’s at least partly a nuanced look at what it means to be
Museum Ball Chairs Announced black in America, and specifically in the South...The show would be moving in any setting, but nowhere
James Outland – Chairman of the Board else would it feel the way it does in this museum, just a few blocks away from where the [16th Street
Family Festivals Recap
Graham C. Boettcher – The R. Hugh Daniel Director Baptist] church still stands.
Laura Monroe – Editor Opulence in Disguise Opening
James Williams – Designer While a sense of place can be achieved through connecting our exhibitions with Birmingham’s history—even its
Afterlife Opening
most poignant moments—it is equally accomplished through celebrating the achievements of our city and state’s
Sean Pathasema – Photographer
Gift for Gail most accomplished artists. This year we will open two exhibitions that do exactly that. Coinciding with Alabama’s
Support Groups bicentennial, we will present Magic City Realism: Richard Coe’s Birmingham (opening March 24), a look at an
Membership inquiries to: membership@artsbma.org exceptional Selma-born artist working in our city during the height of the Great Depression, and The Original
Corporate Partner Spotlight
Editorial inquiries to: lmonroe@artsbma.org Makers: Folk Art from the Cargo Collection (opening June 17), which will explore our state’s rich tradition of vivid
and innovative work by self-taught artists. There’s a lot happening at the BMA and the coming year will be filled
23 Annual Report with many exciting changes as we work even harder to serve you.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Director’s Introduction Speaking of changes, it is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Meghan Ann Hellenga to the role
of the James Milton and Sallie R. Johnson Deputy Director. Meghan Ann joined the Birmingham Museum of Art’s
Mr. James K. Outland, Museum Board Chairman; Ms. Myla E. Calhoun, Secretary; Financial Report development department in 2014, most recently serving as associate director of development. In that role, she has
Mr. Braxton Goodrich, Endowment Chair; Mr. Joel B. Piassick, Treasurer & Finance Chair; Acquisitions been an invaluable asset to this institution and I look forward to working with her and the rest of the BMA’s talented
Mrs. Maye Head Frei, Governance Chair; The Honorable Houston Brown; team to take our Museum to even greater heights.
Mr. Mark L. Drew; Dr. George T. French; Mr. John O. Hudson III; Contributions
Mrs. Joyce Crawford Mitchell; Mr. G. Ruffner Page, Jr.; Mr. Sanjay Singh; Wishing you a happy, healthy, and art-filled new year,
Mrs. Nan Skier; Mrs. Kelly Styslinger; Mr. Larry D. Thornton; Mrs. Patricia Wallwork
Cover: Richard B. Coe, American, 1904–1978, Jefferson County
Chairmen Emeriti: Mr. Thomas N. Carruthers, Jr.; Mrs. Margaret Livingston Courthouse, (detail), etching; Lent by John Peter Crook McCall
T.2014.687
Graham C. Boettcher, Ph.D.
The R. Hugh Daniel Director
2 3
Tribute to
Don Wood
By Chief Curator and Marguerite Jones Harbert and John M. Harbert III
Curator of Decorative Arts Anne Forschler-Tarrasch, Ph.D.
After more than 30 years as Curator of Asian Art at Don also published two catalogues on the Asian col-
the Birmingham Museum of Art, Dr. Donald A. Wood lection while at the BMA. He worked closely with the
retired on December 29, 2017. Museum’s Asian Art Society and more recently with
the Indian Cultural Society to promote the arts of all
Don started college with an interest in music and his- Asian nations and to increase their profiles within our
tory. Spending his Junior Year abroad in Osaka, Japan community. Don’s final project Afterlife: Asian Art from
encouraged him to rethink his future. He went on to the Weldon Collection brought together highlights
receive his bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies from the renowned Henry and June (“Jimmy”) Weldon
at Wittenberg University in Ohio, and his Masters, Collection, a gift to the Museum by long-time patrons,
Masters of Philosophy and Ph.D. in Asian art history supporters, and friends of Don. Through his discerning
from the University of Kansas with a focus on Japan knowledge and incredible dedication to the BMA, Don
and China. established its exquisite collection of Asian art as the
finest in the Southeast.
Don’s museum career started at The National Palace
L to R: Mr. Mark Jackson, Honorary Consul General of Japan; Dr. Donald A. Wood; Museum in Taipei, Taiwan. He also worked at the In special recognition of his distinguished service to
Consul General Takashi Shinozuka Spencer Museum of Art and at the New Orleans the Museum, the Board of Trustees of the Birmingham
Right: The First Emperor Museum of Art before starting at the BMA in 1987. He Museum of Art appointed Don Curator Emeritus of
was only the second Curator of Asian Art at the BMA. Asian Art at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
He was appointed The Virginia and William M. Spencer
III Curator of Asian Art in 2000, and served as Chief Don’s illustrious career was capped on December 15,
Curator from 1996 to 2008. 2017 upon receiving one of Japan’s most prestigious
honors in the world of culture. Takashi Shinozuka,
Often called a most “acquisitive curator”—considered Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta, conferred on
by Don a compliment of the highest order—he has, Don the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays,
over the course of three decades, worked on a vari- a rarely awarded national decoration that recognizes
ety of projects and made numerous acquisitions. He Don’s dedication to cultural exchange and promotion
organized the acclaimed exhibition The First Emperor: of the arts of Japan.
Treasures from Ancient China, as well as Kamisaka
Sekka: Rimpa Master—Pioneer of Modern Design, The BMA staff is grateful for Don’s collegiality, leader-
which established Don as an expert in the field of ship, and friendship over the years. We wish Don well in
Sekka’s work. this new phase of life and look forward to seeing him
back at the BMA!
4 Special Feature | 5
Honoring an Expert
By R. Hugh Daniel Director
Graham C. Boettcher, Ph.D.
The BMA recently acquired five rare original drawings
attributed to the Japanese painter and print designer
Kamisaka Sekka (1866–1942), which were purchased
by the museum to honor Dr. Donald A. Wood, Senior
Curator and The Virginia and William M. Spencer Curator
of Asian Art, who is widely considered one of the lead-
ing authorities on the artist. In 2003, in conjunction with
the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, Japan, Wood
curated and organized the groundbreaking exhibition
Kamisaka Sekka: Rimpa Master—Pioneer of Modern
Design, the first exhibition to focus on the complete
output of this important artist. The exhibition catalogue,
co-edited by Dr. Wood, is still considered the standard ref-
erence on Sekka.
Often described as a “renaissance man,” Kamisaka Sekka was chiefly known as a paint- Opposite page, top: Attributed to Kamisaka Sekka (Japan, 1866–
1942), Mount Fuji, about 1911, ink and color on paper; Museum pur-
er and designer of prints, though he also created designs for lacquer, furniture, textiles, chase in honor of Dr. Donald A. Wood 2017.56
and ceramics, and worked as an interior designer, a landscape architect, an art critic,
Opposite page, bottom: Attributed to Kamisaka Sekka (Japan,
and a teacher. Sekka’s innovative work is prized for its unique combination of traditional
1866–1942), Nandina Plant with Snow, about 1911, ink and color on
techniques and subject matter with modern design sensibilities and a vivid color palette. paper; Museum purchase in honor of Dr. Donald A. Wood 2017.57
Thanks to Dr. Wood’s diligent stewardship, the BMA can boast nearly 100 examples of
This page, top: Kamisaka Sekka (Japan, 1866–1942), Harudenka
Sekka’s work, comprising paintings, prints, woodblock-printed books, lacquerware, tex- (Farm Village in Spring), from Momoyogusa (A World of Things),
tiles and these drawings, the first by the artist to enter the collection. Volume 3, about 1909–1910, ink and color on paper; Museum pur-
chase 1998.2.2
The drawings are very close in style to the prints in Sekka’s masterpiece Momoyogusa This page, bottom: Kamisaka Sekka (Japan, 1866–1942), Kiku,
(A World of Things), a three-volume set of prints that was published in Kyoto between Kiri (Chrysanthemum and Paulownia), from Momoyogusa (A World
of Things), Volume 3, about 1909–1910, ink and color on paper;
1909 and 1910. The BMA owns a set of these prints that are in excellent condition, and Museum purchase 1998.2.5
drawings survive for two of these volumes. While these five drawings do not match any of
the prints from the set, it is possible that they could be drawings for the Momoyogusa that
were not included in the final printing.
6 Special Feature | 7
Exhibitions
Magic City Realism
Above: Richard B. Coe, American, 1904–1978, Street scene
with church, (detail), etching; Collection of the Art Fund, Inc.
at the Birmingham Museum of Art; Gift of John Peter Crook
Richard Coe’s Birmingham
McCall and Doy Leale McCall, III AFI.140.2017
MARCH 24–JUNE 17 · 2018 · ARRINGTON AND BOHORFOUSH GALLERIES
Right: Richard B. Coe, American, 1904–1978, Stilt walkers,
(detail), etching; Lent by John Peter Crook McCall T.2014.617
Opposite Page: Richard B. Coe, American, 1904–1978,
Sloss Furnaces, (detail), etching; Collection of the Art Fund, Inc.
In the wake of the Great Depression, Birmingham experi- In Coe’s images, billowing smoke stacks signify
at the Birmingham Museum of Art; Gift of John Peter Crook enced a remarkable transformation that helped shape the Birmingham’s burgeoning industrial economy. Shown
McCall and Doy Leale McCall, III AFI.150.2017
city as we know it today. Artist Richard Coe, an Alabama side-by-side with the city’s gleaming downtown, these
native, documented the city’s rapidly changing urban fab- images capture a flourishing metropolis. Coe also pic-
Magic City Realism: Richard
ric in his prints and paintings. Magic City Realism: Richard tured developing residential neighborhoods—both elite Coe’s Birmingham is presented
Coe’s Birmingham brings together over sixty of Coe’s im- and humble—and scenes of daily life that relate a city by the City of Birmingham and the
Alabama State Council on the Arts
ages of the city from this decade for the first time. reshaped by industrial growth and New Deal housing and the National Endowment for
initiatives. the Arts.
In 1929, the stock market crashed and the United States
economy plummeted into the Great Depression. By 1933, This exhibition represents the Birmingham Museum
President Franklin Roosevelt had implemented a series of Art’s ongoing commitment to exhibiting the arts of
of New Deal programs designed to speed economic Alabama. It is also a part of the state-wide celebration of
growth and recovery. Coe arrived in Birmingham in 1934. Alabama’s bicentennial, ALABAMA 200. The exhibition is
Working in his Five Points South studio, he illustrated the accompanied by a catalogue of the same title.
local impact of these initiatives with his etching needle
and paint brush.
8 9
American Modern Third Space Rotation
ON VIEW THROUGH MAY 13 · 2018 ROTATION BEGINS JANUARY 27 · 2018 · JEMISON GALLERIES
MAIN LOBBY
In 1925, Paris hosted an exhibition that sparked a new The exhibition Third Space /shifting conversations about contemporary art will look dif- Presented by Third Space is presented by PNC.
Additional support provided by the
era of design around the globe. The Exposition inter- ferent on your next visit. In late January, the exhibition will undergo its second of three Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment
nationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes rotations, and a number of objects will come down to showcase new pieces in the gallery. for the Arts, City of Birmingham, Community Foundation of Greater
Birmingham, Protective Life Foundation, Vulcan Materials Company
(International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and When these light-sensitive works are rotated out to safeguard the art, they will be re- Foundation, Robert R. Meyer Foundation, Luke 6:38 Foundation,
Industrial Arts) transformed the appearance of everything placed by works that offer new perspectives on the exhibition themes. Susan Mott Webb Charitable Trust, The Gladys Krieble Delmas
Foundation, Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Alabama Tourism
from household appliances to furniture to skyscrapers. Department, Alabama Humanities Foundation, the state affiliate of
This new look was dubbed Art Deco (from arts décoratifs), Included in the rotation is artist Willie Cole’s Stowage, a monumental woodblock print cre- the National Endowment for the Humanities, The Lydia Eustis Rogers
Top, left: The Builders, 1934, oil on canvas, unidentified artist, probably by Otto F.
Fund, and Friends of Third Space.
Gerhardt, American, active 1934; Gift of U. S. Steel Corporation, Fairfield, Alabama but the style has had many names in the United States: ated by embedding the perforated surface of an ironing board and twelve iron faceplates
2002.25
American Modern, Streamline Modern, Machine Modern, into a plywood sheet, flush to its surface. The artist then applied ink to the whole and
Top, right: Vase, about 1924, glazed ceramic; Designed by Frank L. D. Ferrell, and more recently, Jazz Age Modern. transferred the resulting image onto paper.
Willie Cole, American, born 1955, Stowage, 1997, woodblock print
American, 1878–1961; Roseville Pottery, United States, operated in Roseville and
on kozo-shi paper; Gift of Attorney Deborah Byrd Walker; Jones &
Zanesville, Ohio, 1890–1954; Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham
American Modern looked to machines and industry for in- To Cole, the silhouetted image of the board’s surface resembles a historic slave-ship di- Davis, P.C., Attorneys at Law; One Hundred Black Men of America,
Museum of Art; Gift of Guy R. Kreusch AFI.28.2014
agram, and the faceplate designs recall the scarification patterns worn by some African Birmingham Chapter; Members of the Birmingham City Council in
spiration, unlike its French counterpart that took its cues recognition of the Members of the Art Club, Inc., and James D. Sokol
Bottom, left: Vase, about 1924, glazed ceramic; Designed by Frank L. D. Ferrell, people. Thus he ascribed each of the “faces” that surround the central image to a different
from the natural world. Designers incorporated new and 1999.6
American, 1878–1961; Roseville Pottery, United States, operated in Roseville and
Zanesville, Ohio, 1890–1954; Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham affordable materials, such as chrome plating and colored group exploited in the slave trade. The artist has reimagined the tools used by enslaved
Museum of Art; Gift of Guy R. Kreusch AFI.31.2014 Africans and their American descendants—the iron and ironing board—and imbued them
plastic. Rising skyscrapers and the energy in urban life
Bottom, right: "Ruba Rombic" Bowl, 1928–1932, pressed glass; Designed by inspired the patterns on cocktail shakers, glassware, and with African power and spirituality, thereby maintaining a connection with the motherland.
Reuben Haley, American, 1872–1933; Manufactured by the, Consolidated Lamp
and Glass Company, United States, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, 1894–1932 and
vases. Decorative arts began to connect with trends in
1936–1963; Museum purchase in memory of Jack Bulow with funds provided by modern painting and sculpture, which favored geometric The catalogue for Third Space, published by the Birmingham Museum of Art and pro-
the Friends of American Art 2008.20
forms. The manufacturer of Ruba Rombic glassware, for duced by Lucia | Marquand, will be released in February and available for purchase at
example, advertised its line as “modern art in glassware... Chapter 04.
typical of the dynamic spirit in art today.”
10 Exhibitions | 11
Programs + Events
SPECIAL PRO G RAMS
Asian Heritage Festival
January 13 · 10am–2pm · Free
Celebrate the Museum’s latest exhibition Afterlife: Asian Art from the Weldon
ONGOI NG PRO G RAMS A R T- M A K I N G P R O G R A M S Collection during our Asian Heritage Festival! Enjoy art activities for all ages in-
spired by the cultures and traditions represented in our Asian art collection. The
ART AFTER 5 ARTBREAKS DROP-IN DRAWING celebration will include gallery tours, storytelling, face-painting, and local eats and
drinks. The festival will end with a very special Butoh Japanese dance performance
First Fridays · January through April Third Tuesdays · Noon · Free Third Sundays · 2–4pm
in the auditorium at 1PM.
5–9pm · Free Free, no registration necessary
On the third Tuesday of each month,
Join us on every first Friday as we unwind Museum curators lead visitors on a thirty min- Looking for a last-minute art fix? Here’s an The 2017–2018 Family Festivals Series is presented by Medical Properties Trust.
from the week with art, music, making, and ute exploration of art in the galleries. Through open invitation to explore your creative sen-
mixing. Each month, we’ll feature a new a series of close-looking techniques and sibilities in a relaxed setting with inspiration
blend of art and entertainment, including mini questioning, this free experience helps build from a pro. Make your own drawing in the Rushton Concert: Daniel Hsu
studio art classes, guest musicians, tapas the visitor’s interpretive skills across the com- galleries under the guidance of teaching art- February 8 · 6pm · Free
tastings, local mixologists, and art history prehensive-range of art periods and canons ist Jamison Harper. You provide the creativity.
Characterized by the Philadelphia Inquirer as a poet with “an expressive edge to his
hacks with the experts. represented by the BMA’s collections. Stay We’ll provide the art supplies. Locations vary,
playing that charms, questions, and coaxes,” 20-year-old American pianist Daniel
for lunch at Oscar’s and they will throw in a see signs at entrances.
Hsu captured the bronze medal and prizes for best performance of both the com-
free dessert!
missioned work and chamber music at the Fifteenth Van Cliburn International Piano
ART AND CONVERSATION Daniel Hsu Competition. He is increasingly recognized for his easy virtuosity and bold musi-
STUDIO SCHOOL cianship, and was named 2016 Gilmore Young Artist, first prize winner of the 2015
First Thursdays · 10:30am
VISUALLY IMPAIRED PROGRAM CAG Victor Elmaleh Competition, and bronze medalist of the 2015 Hamamatsu
$12 for Museum Members Studio School offers a wide range of art
International Piano Competition.
$17 for Non-Members Second Saturdays · 10am · Free classes for adults and children, including
painting, drawing, pottery, and more. Using The Rushton Concert is generously sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. William J. Rushton III.
This program is for people who want to learn In this program for adults with visual impair-
the Museum’s collection and exhibitions as
more about art in an informative and interac- ments and their companions, specially trained
inspiration, explore your own creativity while
tive setting. These programs in 2018, with docents present the Museum’s collection by
the exception of May and July, are held on means of verbal descriptions, three-dimen-
discovering new techniques. Whether you’re Chapter 04: José Bedia
interested in a laid-back craft night or an in- February 15 · 6pm · Free
the first Thursday of each month, January sional tactile models based on original works
depth course, Studio School has something
through October. Coffee and light refresh- of art, and sculpture. The experience may be
for you. Seventeen years after the Museum commissioned Cuban artist José Bedia to cre-
ments are available. Lectures are led by cu- enhanced by related music and/or art-mak-
ate Mpangui jimagua (Twin Brothers), the large-scale work is likely the first object
rators or guest speakers, and attendees are ing to provide multi-sensory access to the
BMA members receive a 20% discount on visitors see as they enter Third Space /shifting conversations about contemporary
encouraged to ask questions, share thoughts visual arts.
all Studio School classes. To see more in- art. For Chapter 04, Bedia will visit the BMA to discuss the meaning and process
and ideas, and actively participate in the José Bedia
formation and to register, go to artsbma.org/ behind the piece.
learning process. Advance reservations are required; space
studio-school.
is limited. VIP tours are also available for
Chapters is a six-part series of artist talks, conversations, and performances that
school-age or adult groups. To reserve your
Studio School is presented by The Comer accompanies the Third Space exhibition and takes place over two years.
spot or learn more about group tours, call
Foundation.
SLOW ART SUNDAYS 205.254.2964.
Sundays · 2pm · Free Callahan Lecture: Dr. John Seyller
The Visually Impaired Program is support-
March 3 · 6pm · Free
Slow food, slow living, slow… art? Unlock ed in part by a grant from The EyeSight
the secrets of works in the Museum’s col- Foundation of Alabama. Join us for an evening with Dr. John Seyller, an art historian from the University of
lection by cultivating the art of looking slowly. Vermont, who will give a lecture entitled, In Pursuit of Excellence: The Art of ‘Abd al-
Our docents ask and answer questions to Karim, Master Painter of Bijapur.
help guide your slow art experience and fos-
ter conversation. Leave the Museum feeling
inspired—not tired! Holi Festival
March 10 · 11am–3pm · Free
Join us for the eighth annual Holi Festival, the Indian celebration of color. Enjoy tra-
ditional music, food, storytelling, art-making, and a special performance of classical
Indian and Bollywood style dancing. The highlight of the celebration involves the
throwing of powdered colors, a traditional part of Holi celebrations.
TO L E ARN MO RE ABO U T O U R O N G O I N G P R O G R A M S A N D W H AT W E H AV E P L A N N E D F O R E A C H E V E N T, The 2017–2018 Family Festivals Series is presented by Medical Properties Trust.
PL E AS E V I S I T O U R O N LI N E CALE N DAR AT A R T S BM A . O R G / E V E N T S . Prince with Falcon, (detail), ‘Abd al-Karim Bijapur, c. 1605, The Holi is sponsored by the Indian Cultural Society.
David Collection, Copenhagen
12 13
News + Giving
Meghan Ann Hellenga Named Volunteer Spotlight: 2018 Museum Ball Chairs Announcement Family Festival Recap
New Deputy Director Debbie Bennett Save the Date: May 5 · 2018
By Manager of Volunteer and Visitor Services Lindsey Hammel By Manager of Public Programs Lana Beardslee
The Birmingham Museum The Birmingham Museum of Art is
of Art announces the ap- pleased to announce the chairs for
pointment of Meghan Ann the 2018 Museum Ball: Mr. and
Hellenga as its new Deputy Mrs. Troy Wallwork and Mr. and Mrs.
Director. Hellenga will im- Nicholas Willis. As supporters of
mediately assume the role the Museum and the Birmingham
of James Milton and Sallie community, these couples are sure
R. Johnson Deputy Director, to create an evening to remem-
a position previously held ber. The only fundraising event for
by Dr. Graham C. Boettcher the Birmingham Museum of Art,
who became R. Hugh Daniel funding from the Ball allows the
Director of the Birmingham Museum of Art in September. When you learn that BMA volunteer Debbie Bennett was a pediatric Museum to provide outstanding arts education opportunities, free of charge, enabling We enjoyed a great year of festivals at the Museum.
nurse at Children’s Hospital for 18 years, it doesn’t come as a complete children and adults to discover the world through art. Funds raised from the annual Ball The season started off with a bang at our seventh
“I am proud to have Meghan Ann join the leadership ranks of the surprise, as she has such a caring and calm disposition. However, it is a provide 25% of the Education department’s overall operating budget, including free ed- annual Holi festival in March. Over 2,000 guests
Birmingham Museum of Art as we move forward with the imple- fact that’s interesting to discover when you have known her as a staff ucational programming and community outreach for young members of our community, attended to enjoy Bollywood dance performances,
mentation of ambitious strategic plans for the institution,” said Dr. member at Leeds Jane Culbreth Library and find out that she made a their families, teachers, and mentors. create their own artistic masterpieces, and enjoy
Graham C. Boettcher. “During her time at the BMA, Meghan Ann career shift years ago. Debbie left nursing to care for family members in treats from Taj India. The day ended with explosions
has successfully managed fundraising and development operations 2002 and when she was ready to return to work, she decided to pursue Nick Willis is Alabama Regional President for PNC. A native Alabamian, Nick has spent of color as we followed tradition by throwing pow-
alongside the director of development. Her background and training her love of books and reading to search for a position in a library. She his career in banking, most recently leading PNC’s Corporate Finance banking team in dered colors into the air to celebrate the arrival of
have well prepared her for this role, while her impressive leadership was delighted to accept a position in the Jefferson County Public Library Alabama. In addition to serving on the Museum’s Advisory Board, Nick serves as Treasurer spring.
and accomplishments give me great confidence in her ability to help System, where she has been since March 2009. for McWane Science Center and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Alabama
steer the Museum toward future success.” Symphony Orchestra, Business Council of Alabama, and Vestavia Country Club. Nick is Our African Heritage Festival in June was another
In 2002, Debbie pursued another interest, art history, and she began married to Sue, who works for Glaxo Smith Kline, and they have two children, Carter and huge success. We celebrated the Museum’s col-
Hellenga joined the Birmingham Museum of Art’s development volunteering at the BMA for the exhibition European Masterpieces: Six Callen. Reflecting its strong corporate commitment to supporting the arts, PNC has been lection of African art and the rich African heritage
department in 2014, most recently serving as associate director of Centuries of Paintings from the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia. She a major supporter of the Museum since entering the Alabama banking market in 2012. and customs that live on in Birmingham. A highlight
development. She worked alongside the director of development to quickly found that she loved volunteering at the Museum and was hooked. PNC brought Warhol and Cars: American Icons to the Museum from the Warhol Museum from the day was the special dance and drum per-
secure funding for the Museum’s annual budget of more than $7 For 15 years, Debbie has greeted visitors at the information desk every in Pittsburgh as its first gift to Birmingham, and has since served as a presenting spon- formance by Nathifa Dance Company, which wowed
million, provided departmental supervision, and was instrumental in fourth Wednesday of the month. Taking the same care that she did with sor for such blockbuster exhibits as Delacroix and the Matter of Finish, The Birmingham the audience with their talent and energy.
development planning and fundraising strategies. In her new posi- her patients, Debbie provides a warm welcome to all visitors and helps Project, and is currently the presenting sponsor for Third Space /shifting conversations
tion, she will support the BMA director in Museum management du- them make the most of their visit. She describes the Museum as a vibrant about contemporary art. Our second annual Hispanic Heritage Festival had
ties which include operational oversight, staff management, internal atmosphere where she loves greeting and speaking with visitors and be- the BMA buzzing with activity. We had some special
communications, and community/government relations. ing a part of a wonderful team of staff, docents, and volunteers. Tricia Wallwork is a third generation owner who has served as Milo’s CEO and Chairman guests join us that day, including an armadillo from
of the Board since 2012, and has been working at the company since 2004. Tricia be- the Birmingham Zoo and Rumba Latino, who came
Prior to her time at the BMA, Hellenga served as director of de- Aside from volunteering at the BMA, Debbie has many other hobbies in- gan her career as an attorney. Raised in Birmingham, Tricia received a Bachelor’s of Arts out to show us how to salsa.
velopment at AIDS Alabama before becoming the organization’s cluding reading, historic preservation, enjoying music and nature, working in Philosophy at Auburn University and Juris Doctor at the University of Alabama. Troy
administrative director of programs, where she implemented fund- with animal rescue groups, and serving as a kitten foster “mom” for the Wallwork is the President and founder of the IT managed services provider, DataPerk. Please join us for more fun at our the Asian
raising initiatives and cultivated community partnerships. Earlier Greater Birmingham Humane Society. She is married with two grown Tricia and Troy have been members of the BMA for many years and have served on the Heritage Festival on January 13th. We hope to see
in her career, Hellenga served as a grant writer at Girl Scouts of sons and shares a love of art history and historic preservation with her Museum Ball Committee numerous times. Tricia has served on the Museum’s Board of you there!
North-Central Alabama. husband. Debbie’s favorite works of art at the BMA include those in the Trustees since 2016. Tricia and Troy live in the Birmingham area with their two children,
19th Century European gallery (especially the Monet!) and Japanese Carlton and Kathryn. Milo’s is a longtime supporter of the Museum and the Birmingham The 2016–2017 Family Festivals
Hellenga holds a master’s degree in public administration from the
prints. community, and Tricia’s family has made a lasting impression on our city. Series was presented by
University of Alabama at Birmingham and earned her bachelor’s
degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied Thank you, Debbie, for your dedication to the Museum and its visitors for
English and art history. She is a member of the Birmingham Multiple 15 years! Make your plans to join us on Saturday, May 5, 2018!
Sclerosis Leadership Class of 2017, serves on the UAB Master in
Public Administration Alumni Board, and is an active volunteer with If you would like to make your reservation today, contact Development Events Manager
Desert Island Supply Company. Rebecca Schaller Rebecca Schaller at rshaller@artsbma.org or 205-297-8062.
14 News + Giving | 15
Opulence in Disguise:
The Netherlands’ Golden Age
Opening
By Development Events Manager Rebecca Schaller
In the 17th century, the Netherlands witnessed a Golden
Age of economic prosperity. With it came a booming art
market. The BMA recently renovated and expanded gal-
lery space to better tell this story through its growing col-
lection of Dutch and Flemish art, as well as through new
approaches to interpretation. This newly conceptualized
gallery breathes new life into the Museum’s collection,
as it delves into the period’s taste for understated luxury
and the social, economic, and political forces that led the
Netherlands to such wealth and prestige.
To unveil the new space, European Art Society mem-
bers, supporters, friends, and family gathered in early
September to raise a glass to the Featheringill family and
celebrate this exciting achievement of a complete gallery Gift for Gail Celebration
renovation.
The expansion and reinstallation of The Featheringill
In the months preceding her retirement, patrons and longtime friends of
Gallery was made possible by the City of Birmingham, the
the Birmingham Museum of Art came together to raise nearly $1.1 million
Robert Lehman Foundation, Inc., and the following gener-
to establish the Gail C. Andrews Fund for Public Programs in honor of
ous supporters: Camille Butrus, Mrs. Peter G. Smith, The
the former director of twenty years. The fund was designed to ensure the
Cather Family Foundation, Mel and Linda Cleveland, and
continuity of free-of-charge public programs, of which the Museum hosts
Patrick Cather.
hundreds annually. The gift was announced at Andrews’ retirement cele-
bration, which took place at the Museum on October 19.
With an overall tenure spanning four decades, Gail Andrews established
Afterlife: the Birmingham Museum of Art as one of the South’s preeminent art mu-
Asian Art from the Weldon seums. Under her leadership, the Museum’s holdings grew from 13,000
Collection Opening objects to 27,000 objects. She brought international acclaim to several
collection areas with distinguished additions to the Museum’s Vietnamese
By Development Events Manager Rebecca Schaller ceramics, and propelled significant growth to the American and European
collections. Gail spearheaded Museum initiatives to collect and display
Afterlife: Asian Art from the Weldon Collection journeys the work of self-taught artists from the Deep South, and she strategi-
across Asia to explore the fascinating role of art in this cally bolstered the Museum’s contemporary collection with notable works
life and the next. Inspired by the bequest of Henry and by women and African-American artists. In addition to the collection, Gail
June (“Jimmy”) Weldon, the exhibition includes a wide va- expanded Museum programming, funding, and staff, and increased the
riety of sculpture, ceramics, and tomb wares that reflect general endowment by $20 million. Upon her retirement, Gail was named
ancient fashion trends, entertainments, status symbols the BMA’s first Director Emerita.
and religions, throughout the ages.
Thank you to all who contributed to the fund with special thanks to the
We were honored to welcome the family of Henry and “Gift for Gail” campaign committee which included: co-chairs, Melanie
Jimmy to celebrate this transformative gift to the BMA’s Grinney and Sanjay Singh; Frances Bennett, Dalton Blankenship,
Asian art collection. The Weldon family and members of Houston Brown, Bill Cabaniss, Catherine Cabaniss, Tom Carruthers, Lydia
both the Asian Art Society and Indian Cultural Society Cheney, Billy Hulsey, Margaret Livingston, James Outland, Penny Page,
were treated to a sneak peek before the exhibition Joel Piassick, Marilyn Smith, and Jim Sokol. Contributions to the fund are
opened. recognized on the following pages.
Afterlife has been made possible by grants from the
Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National
Endowment for the Arts, the City of Birmingham, and the
J. & H. Weldon Foundation, Inc., and the Asian Art Society
at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
16 News + Giving | 17
Contributions to the Gift for Gail
Folk Art Circle Maker Circle Kate and Charles Simpson Mr. and Mrs. M. Miller Gorrie
$50,000 – $99,999 $5,000 – $9,999 Mr. and Mrs. Elton B. Stephens, Jr. John Hagefstration
Melanie and Jay Grinney Alabama Power Foundation Mary and Victor Hanson
Elizabeth and James Outland Anonymous Community Circle Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt R. Haskell
Karen and Joel Piassick Dalton and Jon Blankenship $500 – $2,499 Meghan Ann and Michael Hellenga
Ms. Katherine Blount Beth and Scott Adams Mr. and Mrs. Elias Hendricks
Textile Circle Caroline Cargo and Bernard Mr. and Mrs. Edward K. Aldag, Jr. Barbara Hirschowitz
$25,000 – $49,999 Peterson Renee Goode Allison Mary Louise Hodges
Margaret and Bruce Alexander Jane S. Comer and Charles A. Lantz Anonymous Mrs. Stanton B. Ingram Charitable
Gail C. Andrews and Richard B. The Honorable and Mrs. Ralph D. Dr. and Mrs. Fred Baekeland Fund – Yin and Stanton Ingram,
Marchase and their children - Cook Ms. Sidney R. Bagby Advisors
Julia Trechsel Davis, Andrew R. Stewart Mott Dansby Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Bainbridge, Jr. Jeanne Jackson and Mark Lester
Trechsel, Nicholas D. Marchase, Carmen and Trey Echols Dr. and Mrs. Gene V. Ball Mr. and Mrs. James Milton Johnson
Allison E. Marchase Mrs. William W. Featheringill Ms. Joyce Benington Mr. and Mrs. J. Brooke Johnston, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. William Brooke Mr. and Mrs. William W. Goodrich Hal and Jane Bissell Dr. and Mrs. James Kamplain
Mr. and William J. Cabaniss, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Donald M. James Clarence and Sheila Blair Mr. and Mrs. Gerard J. Kassouf
Mrs. Carol O. Sommers Virginia and Laurence Bradley Ms. Margaret Grubb Kathie and Pringle Ramsey
Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Cook Cathy and Paul Jones Irene Blalock Dr. Kent T. and Mrs. Enid F. Keyser
Ms. Janie Spencer Mr. Robert Brady Mrs. Judith H. Hand Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Rawls
Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Daniel Dr. and Mrs. Lanning Kline Cate and Brian Boehm Dr. and Mrs. Joe B. LaRussa
Monty and Vastine Stabler Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Bromberg, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Griff R. Harsh III Mrs. Sonja Rieger
Mr. H. Corbin Day and Mrs. Kim Mrs. C. Caldwell Marks Chris and Mary Boehm Mary Lyn and David LaRussa
John and Carolyn Stadtlander Dr. and Mrs. Peter D. Bunting Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence S. Hawley Ms. Stefanie Rookis
Morgan Marion and Edgar Marx Nina and Ken Botsford Jim and Kelly Lewis (Rushin)
Arnold Steiner Kathy and Bruce Burdette Mrs. S. Richardson Hill, Jr. Dr. Carol Rosenstiel and Ms. Fran
EBSCO Industries Katharine and Donny Patton Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Boulware III George Gambrill Lynn
Elizabeth and John Steiner Gayle and Mike Byrne Ms. Catherine Hillenbrand Hogg
The Engel Family Regions Alice Meriwether Bowsher Emily and Williard McCall Jr.
Bill and Kimeran Stevens Ms. Kristina Callahan Frank and Denise Hughes Mr. and Mrs. William H. Satterfield
Kelley and CT Fitzpatrick Mr. Farrell E. Robinson and Ms. Grady F. and Sharon B. Burrow Dr. Charles “Scotty” McCallum
Evelyn and Gene Stutts Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Chandler Ms. Carissa Hussong Melissa Schoel
Mr. and Mrs. Braxton Goodrich Cindy S. Bankston Annie and Greg Butrus Doug McCraw
Mr. and Mrs. Lee J. Styslinger, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Clayton, Jr. Dr. H. Peter and Susie T. Jander John M. Schorrenberg
Wyona and Tom Hamby Mr. Mark Rosse and Mrs. Kaye Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Caldwell III Mr. and Mrs. Thomas S. McGahey
Mr. and Mrs. C. Logan Taylor III Ms. Rita C. Constantine Mr. and Mrs. Norman Jetmundsen Jackie and Eric Simons
Mr. and Mrs. William C. Hulsey McWane Meredith and Wesley Calhoun Louise and Frank McPhillips
Dr. and Mrs. David L. Tharpe Judy and Jim Cook Ms. Sally Johnson Dr. and Mrs. David A. Skier
Ms. Nancy Dunlap and Mr. Johnny Sandra S. Simpson Ms. Myla Calhoun Johnny Mac
Anna M. and Douglass J. Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Cosby Ms. Lial Jones Garland and Lathrop Smith
Johns Mrs. Marilyn S. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Ehney A. Camp III Susan Matlock / Michael Calvert
Larry D. Thornton Ms. Amy Crawford Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kimberly Ann Morris Smith
Mrs. James A. Livingston Patricia and Rick Sprague Mr. Thomas N. Carruthers, Jr. Judy and Gerson May
Connie and Marshall Urist Mrs. Mary L. Crockett Jonathan Lehman and Zachary Ms. Stacy A. Smith
Mr. Henry S. Lynn, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robin A. Wade, Jr. Mr. Patrick Cather Jim and Robin Meador-Woodruff
Judge and Mrs. Scott Vowell Dr. and Mrs. Larry Deep Huelsing Ms. Ceil J. Snow
Ms. Dottie Mitchell Patricia and Troy Wallwork Dr. Louise T. Chow and Dr. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Miller
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Ward Ms. Terri Denard and Mr. Steven Marsha and John Markus Mr. and Mrs. Farley M. Snow
Penny and Ruffner Page Julie and Jeff Ward R. Broker Pamela Morad
Mary L. and Charles Watkins Reider Mrs. Cecilia C. Matthews Dr. Sandra Sprayberry and Mr. Sam
John and Nancy Poynor Mr. Alan K. Zeigler Mr. and Mrs. William N. Clark Dr. and Mrs. Robert Morris
Ms. Angie S. Webb Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. DeVivo Lynette A. McCary Munyer
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Rushton III Ms. Kate Cleveland Kate and Claude Nielsen
Kay and Jim Wooten Forsyth S. Donald Emmy and Travis McGowin Mr. and Mrs. Jim Stapleton
Dora and Sanjay Singh Sewing Circle Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cobb John and Jean Oliver
Mr. and Mrs. Marion Wynn Patsy Dreher Mr. and Mrs. George McMillan, jr Mrs. Mary S. Steiner
$2,500 – $4,999 Mr. Bryan Council and Ms. Rebekah Dr. Emily Omura
Mr. Alan T. Drennen III Dr. Heather McPherson. Ms. Rose Hurt Steiner
Artisan Circle Anonymous Elgin-Council Mrs. Shirley K. Osband
Friends Patricia and Dave Driscoll Dr. Suzanne M. Michalek Lewis M. and Carol Stewart
$10,000 – $24,999 A Social Affair Mr. and Mrs. Francis Crockard, Jr. Buddy Palmer
$25 – $499 Betsy Dumas Patricia M. Millhouse Denis and Julia Stork
Mr. and Mrs. Harold L. Abroms Beaux Arts Krewe Ralph and Mary Helen Crowe Martha Pezrow
Ms. Linda T. Abele Mr. and Mrs. Paul Elkourie Ms. Margaret Monaghan Carol and Ken Taylor
Frances and Claude Bennett Dr. Graham C. Boettcher Mr. and Mrs. J. Mason Davis, Jr. Diana and Gray Plosser
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Aldridge Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Ellis Mr. Brad Morton Dr. Jack W. Trigg, Jr
Camille Butrus Judge and Mrs. Houston L. Brown Ann Rolling Elliott Margaret and Kip Porter
Ms. Olivia E. Alison Henrietta Emack Mr. and Mrs. Sam W. Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Ingram D. Tynes
Marx Brothers Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Drew Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Elsas Red Diamond Coffee and Tea
Melia Allen and Family Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Fierman Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Myatt Dr. and Mrs. Elias Watson
Maye and Bernard Frei Beverly and Stanley Erdreich Lisa and Alan Engel Red Mountain Garden Club
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anderson Mr. and Mrs. William Fishburne III Susan and Alex Nading Holly and Prince Whatley
Mr. and Mrs. Emmett E. McLean Joan and Preston Haskell Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Eubanks Mrs. Elberta G. Reid
Anonymous Dorothy Ireland Fletcher Ms. Tanya Najwa Frances and George Wheelock
Joyce Crawford Mitchell and John Virginia and John Hillhouse Kaywin Feldman Mr. and Mrs. T. Alan Ritchie, Jr.
Suzan and Thomas Armstrong Rachel and Conrad Foster Dorothy and Al Naughton Mr. and Mrs. Heustis P. Whiteside, Jr.
Mitchell Dr. David Kitchens and Dr. Rupa Mr. and Mrs. James S. M. French Dr. Janice W. Roberts
Jim and Pam Ausley Walton and Key Foster Ms. Ann F. Omura Ms. Maralyn Day Wilson
PNC Foundation Kitchens Hugh and Anna Gainer Margaret and Francis Rushton
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Balliet Carolyn and Henry Frohsin Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pathasema Dr. Donald A. Wood
Jim Sokol and Lydia Cheney Bill Mason, Bob Scharfenstein, Ellen and Houston Gillespy Mr. and Mrs. Scott Selman
Mrs. Charlton Bargeron Rebecca and Ben Fulmer Dr. and Mrs. Roger Suttle Mr. and Mrs. J. David Woodruff, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. James T. Stephens Bryan Underwood Mr. Andrew Glasgow Mrs. Jean S. Shanks
Richard and Tracey Hering Bielen Jo Anne and Nick Gaede Ms. Pauline Pinto Leo and Rhetta Wright
Lee and Kelly Styslinger Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Ray, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Goings Babbie and Waid Shelton
Ms. Geneva Blackburn Mr. and Mrs. James Gewin Paula Purse Pointer
Alice and Carl Thigpen Dr. Lindsay S. Robison and Mr. J. Mr. and Mrs. Hubert W. Goings, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Murray Smith and Mr.
The Honorable Sharon L. Blackburn Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Graham Mrs. William A. Powell, Jr.
Sally V. Worthen Andrew Robison Mr. and Mrs. T. Michael Goodrich and Mrs. Joseph C. South III
Ms. Betsy Bradley Mr. Roy C. Green, Jr. Ms. Angela F. Pruitt
Virginia Hendrix Scruggs Mr. and Mrs. James Gorrie Mrs. Peter C. Smith
18 News + Giving | 19Support Groups
Collectors Circle trip to the Berkshires Friends of American Art and European Art Asian Art Society
and Hudson River Valley Society Trip to Dallas Moon Viewing
By CC Member Margaret Shepherd By EAS and FoAA Member Jim Gordy By Development Events Manager Rebecca Schaller
For several years I heard talk of the Hudson River Valley and its plethora of contemporary artists, galleries, and museums, Members of Friends of American Art and the European Art Society came together to en- On Thursday, October 5, the BMA’s Asian Art
so I perked up when the Collectors Circle trip was officially announced for August. Temporarily without a curator, our joy a weekend in Dallas and six of the area’s museums. The journey began at the Nasher Society gathered with friends, old and new, to cel-
group was fortunate to have Director Graham Boettcher guide us through a most memorable long weekend of amazing Sculpture Center and then across the street at the Dallas Museum of Art. After a cura- ebrate the mid-autumn harvest moon. With tradi-
art, good food, and great company. Though there were so many incredible visits to galleries, studios, and exhibits, I can tor-led tour, the group got to see the special exhibit, Yayoi Kusama, All the Eternal Love I tional music organized by Athena Chang, guests
only mention a few highlights here. Have for the Pumpkins, an infinity mirror room reflecting her series of acrylic yellow gourds were entertained with performances by flautist
covered in black polka dots. It is a unique experience that is not soon forgotten. The next Dr. Yiu-Fai Chen, Longquan Li playing the Erhu,
As expected, we started out Thursday morning in full gear with lunch in the van on our way to the Porches Inn, situat- day was spent in Fort Worth with a behind-the-scenes discussion with renowned conser- Lele Zhang on the Zither, and Grace Tang playing
ed directly across the street from Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. MASS MoCA occupies a former 19th vator Claire Barry of the Kimbell Art Museum. Her lab was fascinating and her talk very the Pipa. With the help of Teen BMA students, the
century cotton factory consisting of an impressive 16 acres of exhibition and performing arts space. There were many enlightening. She was instrumental in the Kimbell purchasing an early painting believed BMA Education Department created art activities
highlights here, but most exceptional was the experience of walking into Nick Cave’s installation, Until, a title taken from to be by a very young Michelangelo, and she then went on to prove it was. Claire has also for guests of all ages that explored printmaking, the
Cave’s version of a familiar phrase in America: “guilty until proven innocent.” The dazzling space hung with twirling metallic conserved paintings for the BMA. After touring the Kimbell, the group walked over to creation of paper lanterns, the art of the haiku, and
ornaments and a central crystal cloud hiding a packed garden with black-face lawn jockeys. The effect is delightful, until the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth for lunch and an independent tour, and then on more. Although the night ended without catching a
the viewer notices the handguns and uneasily grasps the artist’s message: “Is there racism in heaven?” to the Amon Carter Museum of American Art for a curated tour. Sunday morning began glimpse of the slow rising moon over Birmingham,
with local collectors Nancy and Randy Best in their well-appointed mansion north of the guests were treated to a beautiful projection of the
Another MASS MoCA highlight was surely James Turrell’s Into the Light. Difficult to describe, this experience of light
downtown area. Their focus is European art, but Randy also has a large natural history full moon and the sweet taste of mooncakes.
transforms one’s reality so that the participant enters an environment entirely made of color. All surfaces, including walls
collection and an impressive antique gun and rifle collection. After the visit, the group
and floors, disappear and are replaced by ever-changing shades of sherbet. The feeling was as if we were stepping into
headed downtown for brunch before adding Southern Methodist University’s Meadows
a new, beautiful reality, completely sober.
Museum to the itinerary to see the special exhibit of Zurbarán: Jacob and His Twelve Sons,
Saturday our group was fortunate to tour Jack Shainman’s gallery, The School, in Kinderhook, New York, where we were Paintings from Auckland Castle. These were recently conserved by Claire Barry for this
treated to a private tour led by Mr. Shainman himself. This gallery alone is worth a special trip to the area. The rockstar exhibit. Overall, a whirlwind trip to enjoy the delights of Dallas!
treatment we received is a perk enjoyed by Collectors Circle travelers!
20 News + Giving | 21Corporate Spotlight Annual Report 2017
Mark Tarr
President and Chief Executive Officer, Our Current
Encompass Health (formerly HealthSouth) Corporate Partners
Encompass Health is a long-time supporter of the FOUNDER’S CIRCLE
BMA. Why do you support the Museum and the $50,000
arts in Birmingham? Alabama Power Company
As a good corporate citizen it is important for SUSTAINER’S CIRCLE
$25,000–$49,999
Encompass Health to contribute to initiatives that
Barber Companies
make Birmingham a strong, vibrant city. Certainly, the
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Museum and the arts in general are an important component of that. Maynard, Cooper & Gale PC
Medical Properties Trust, Inc.
he Museum recently named a new director from within, Dr. Graham C. Boettcher, and you
T Protective Life Corporation
were recently named CEO of Encompass Health after 23 years with the company. What words Red Diamond, Inc.
of wisdom would you give Graham as he steps into this new role? Vulcan Materials Company
I’m not sure it’s wisdom, but like myself, Graham steps into his new role with a very solid team around CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
$10,000–$24,999 At the start of each calendar year—beginning with the cur- to receive a tremendously positive public response. One re-
him. From my experience at Healthsouth, my recommendation would be for him to find the best ways
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP rent issue—we will include the BMA’s annual report from the cent visitor from New Orleans wrote, “I was back in Bham
to leverage the strength of his team.
Butler Snow LLP previous fiscal year in Medium, our member magazine. As this week and conversely back at the Museum for the first
HealthSouth Corporation a public institution, we believe it’s important to give mem- time in perhaps six years. Never felt so vital, so interrelated,
How does your support of the Museum and other non-profit organizations help you stand
Jemison Investment Co., Inc.
out among competitors? bers a regular look at our finances and acknowledge those wisely contextualized, or with its metaphorical finger loving-
New Capital Partners, Inc.
Regions Bank
who have provided exceptional support for our exhibitions, ly placed on the pulse of the Zeitgeist! I’ve never been to
Our support of the Museum helps us build a strong corporate culture and leads to enhanced engage- Stewart Perry Construction programs, and collections. From July 1, 2016 to June 30, a contemporary exhibition with as many friends on display...
ment for our staff here in Birmingham. I see it as incredibly beneficial, not necessarily from a competi- Vulcan Value Partners 2017, we welcomed 120,128 visitors to the BMA, 15,351 it was a 21st century portal through a looking glass.” Third
tive standpoint, but based on what it contributes internally to our organization. of whom enjoyed Bart’s ArtVenture, our interactive space Space will remain open through January 2019, and if you
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
for children and families. Helping school-aged children dis- haven’t had a chance to see it, we think you’ll be thoroughly
$5,000–$9,999
What’s next for Encompass Health? cover the joy of art remains our strong focus, and through surprised and intrigued by the wide variety of artistic expres-
Altec Industries, Inc.
Johnson Development, LLC
690 individual programs including family festivals, outreach sions it contains.
First of all, we adopted a new name at the beginning of the year. We switched from HealthSouth
Ram Tool and Supply Company to classrooms, and our studio school, we reached thousands
Corporation to Encompass Health and relocated to a new home office building. The rebranding and Finally, we want to call particular attention to our smart-
Thompson Tractor Inc. of pre-kindergarten to 12th-grade students.
name change has been in the works for over a year now as we’ve been working with an outside brand guide, which we introduced with Third Space, and will con-
management group, Prophet. It was a long process, but we think the name Encompass Health better CURATORS’ CIRCLE Thanks to your generosity, our collection continues to grow tinue to be a major component of our strategy for audience
describes our corporate strategy and more accurately represents our geographic footprint which rang- $2,500–$4,999 in both size and quality, reaching nearly 27,000 works of art engagement for special exhibitions and collection galleries
es across the United States. Arlington Properties, Inc. in the 2016–2017 fiscal year. As our collection burgeons, alike. Available on every smart device, the smartguide is an
Cobbs Allen
we have tried to shine a spotlight on its tremendous signifi- interactive guide to art in the BMA galleries and exhibitions,
Relative to philanthropic initiatives, we remain committed as ever to our community support. We think Davis Architects
Dunn Investment Company cance by promoting small permanent collection installations which enables visitors to view additional images, quick facts
it’s significant to be one of only a handful of corporate headquarters here in Birmingham and we be-
First Commercial Bank as “mini” exhibitions. In the past year, these have included on artists, artworks and time periods, as well as listen to au-
lieve community partnerships make our company and city stronger.
Marx Brothers, Inc. a selection of Japanese prints from a large gift given by Dr. dio, watch videos, find fun
With all the revitalization of Birmingham, what do you see as Encompass Health ’s role Roy T. Ward of Georgia; Homage to the Square: Ten Works activities, and more. Visitors
BENEFACTOR’S CIRCLE
within that? by Josef Albers; and Under the Big Top: American Art at the may use their own device
$1,000–$2,499
Circus, marking the end of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & or check out an iPad at our
Brookmont Realty Group LLC
I’m proud to say that our company has played a huge role in Birmingham’s revitalization. For years, Christie's
Bailey Circus after 146 years. Visitors have delighted in see- entrances.
ing more art on view from our collection, especially works Graham C. Boettcher, Ph.D.
we’ve consistently drawn staff and visitors from outside the state and certainly outside the city of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.
Four Corners Custom Framing Gallery that have rarely if ever been seen in the recent past. These are just a few of the The R. Hugh Daniel Director
Birmingham. The majority of them hadn’t been to Birmingham, but time after time, we would hear peo-
ple say they didn’t know it was so nice and beautiful. The growth of the culinary industry in our city with Hughes and Scalise, P.C. many things that made the
Kassouf & Co., P.C. We have not only started to focus on our own collection in past year a remarkable one.
Frank Stitt and others, and now the revitalization of downtown, is fantastic for employee recruitment
Levy's Fine Jewelry small exhibitions, but in January of 2017, we opened Third We thank you for your gen-
and retention. As an employer, it’s great for business because you want people to like the city they live Motion Industries, Inc.
in and ideally, they’ll want to stay. Space /shifting conversation about contemporary art, the erous support, and look for-
National Cement Company of Alabama, Inc.
O'Neal Industries first large exhibition of contemporary art from the Museum’s ward to even more exciting James K. Outland
We are proud to be a Birmingham-based company. We hope people see our commitment to the city by Pizitz Management Group own collection, featuring over 100 works of art in a variety things to come in the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees
the fact that we will be moving into a new home office. We are very proud of the fact that the building Precision Grinding, Inc. of mediums. Third Space—which New York Times art critic year.
RealtySouth Holland Cotter named to the “Best Art of 2017”—continues
was built on a piece of land owned by the city; that was important to us. We’re excited to be here and a
Standard Furniture
part of the overall revitalization of Birmingham.
Williams Blackstock Architects
22 23You can also read
