The Association of Art Museum Directors has sent a letter to Randolph College and issued a press release condemning the planned sale of four paintings from the Maier Museum to beef up the college’s endowment.
AAMD declared:
In the Association’s judgment, such a sale violates the fundamental integrity of the Maier Museum of Art, and by extension, Randolph College. The AAMD condemns Randolph College’s sale of paintings from the Maier Museum of Art.
In its letter to the university, AAMD asked the Lynchburg, VA, college “to reverse this decision while there is still time.”
The Maier is not a member of AAMD.
Here is the complete text of AAMD’s statement:
The AAMD, an organization representing some 180 leaders of North America’s leading art museums, expresses grave concern about the proposed sale of paintings owned by the Maier Museum of Art for the purpose of supporting the college’s general operating endowment.
The prohibition against the sale of collection objects for general operating purposes is a fundamental covenant between museums and donors. It is a promise that exists across generations, to prevent the financial challenges of a given time – no matter how pressing or how valid they may be – from depriving future beneficiaries of such gifts.
The AAMD was deeply disturbed to learn of the removal this week of important paintings by George Bellows, Edward Hicks and others, for sale at auction for the purpose of replenishing your college’s general operating endowment. In the Association’s judgment, such a sale violates the fundamental integrity of the Maier Museum of Art, and by extension, Randolph College.
The AAMD condemns Randolph College’s sale of paintings from the Maier Museum of Art.