Thomas Jefferson University, Fisk, and now the Maier Museum?
According to a report yesterday by Christa Desrets of the Lynchburg, VA, News & Advance, a Randolph College spokesperson confirmed that its museum, strong in 19th- and 20th-century American works, is appraising some of its art as part of a review all of the school’s assets.
The spokesperson, Brenda Edson, said that the college is trying to build its endowment, but that “no decisions have been made” regarding the artwork…We’re trying to find a solution that will be a positive one for all of us and that will allow us to really honor this artwork.”
Some locals believe that Wal-Mart heiress Alice Walton recently descended upon Lynchburg to peruse the museum’s art.
Contacted by Desrets, Brenda Edson, spokesperson for the college, neither confirmed nor denied the Walton visit. The museum this year is celebrating the centennial of its collection. What a way to celebrate!
Will someone from the Association of Art Museum Directors please read Maier the riot act on deaccessions by university and college museums?
Click the link below for a reader’s comment.
A reader who asked that I publish his comment, but not his name, wrote:
As a former professor of art history at a Virginia college who used the Maier as a source for teaching students, I am appalled at the thought of Alice Walton’s “shopping” in the collection. Randolph College MUST keep its great collection of paintings intact for the future.