2012 Annual Report - Nasher Museum of Art - Duke University

FROM THE FRiEnds bOaRdAs I write comments for the 2011-12 annualreport for this remarkable institution, I aminformed and inspired by a recent visit toThe uncertain museum by Olafur Eliasson.The artist’s genius, for me, is in thecreation of a pleasing physical structurethat enables visitors to create their ownexperience of the art. Barriers are blurred,boundaries are broken.That is the Nasher Museum at its best,and there is nothing “uncertain” about whatwe have accomplished in the past fiscalyear. The museum has been challenging,innovative, inclusive and nurturing in itsintentions to teach, enlighten and entertainthe broadest possible audience. Dukestudents and faculty, school childrenfrom Durham and the region, the casualvisitor and the most devoted supporter areconsidered in the vast array of offerings.Peruse the calendar and the amazingevents that take place on a weekly basis willastound you.The mission of the Nasher MuseumFriends Board is to promote broaderawareness of the museum’s programs andexhibitions, and to solidify and increasemembership support. This year we havebeen “in action” in many different ways toaccomplish this goal.We planned and supported the annualbenefit gala, Changing the Game, whichraised significant unrestricted dollars forthe museum. Coach K and members of theBlue Devils Men’s Basketball team wereour featured guests, as we celebrated theuniversity’s excellence in the fields of sportand art —and contemplated the intersectionbetween the two.We enjoyed a significant increase inthe museum’s membership, due to theamazing Calder exhibition, a ticketedexhibition to which members received twofree tickets each day and more, dependingon their level of support.We created a Membership Task Forceunder the leadership of Carol O’Briento study our current structure, to makerecommendations to ensure our continuedvibrancy as a Friends group, and to enhanceour efficacy in attracting and retainingmembership constituents.We continued to monitor the great workof our Outreach Task Force under theleadership of Paula Flood and Doug Zinn.The community ties we have forged andnurtured with the East Durham Children’sInitiative, Y.E. Smith School, Durham PublicLibrary and others reveal our enduringcommitment as a resource.I want to thank outgoing director KimRorschach, who has that rare combinationin a leader: strength, integrity, honesty,passion. She positioned the museum tosucceed and reach new exciting heights. Iam glad to know her, and I am certain shewill always support the Nasher Museum aswe cheer her on in Seattle.I also wish to express my appreciation to theretiring Friends’ Board members for theirunselfish contribution of time, talent andtreasure to the Nasher Museum during thepast three years: Diane Evia-Lanevi, JuneMichaux, Carol O’Brien, Francine Pilloff andArthur Rogers.Finally, I close by saying what a pleasureit is to serve as the Friends Board President.If you are a current member of the museum,I thank you. If you are not a current member,I invite your inquiry and engagement.Ann W. CraverPresidentNasher Museum Friends BoardSee full listing of Friends Board on page 45.Friends Board728031_Text.indd 711/28/12 3:24 AM