Museum Critiques
Here’s an update from the American Alliance of Museums with important info @ the state of projected Museum governmental funding.
What the Midterm Elections Mean for Museums
Were you as gripped by the midterm elections as we have been? Following the Nov. 6 elections, the Alliance is pleased to share this brief analysis of historic highlights and possible impacts for museums.
In the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrats won a majority--33 seats so far, with 11 races yet to be called (23 seats were required to flip for control of the House). Republicans held onto control of the U.S. Senate with 51 seats so far and three races yet to be decided--Mississippi (run-off Nov. 27), Florida (recount) and Arizona.
There was historic voter turnout and historic diversity. It was the first midterm election in U.S. history to exceed 100 million votes and the highest turnout rate since the 1974 Watergate-era midterms. Also, young people aged 18 to 29 had the highest turnout rate for a midterm election in at least 25 years. In addition to voters sending a record number of more than 100 women to Congress, other firsts included the first two Native American women, the first two Muslim women and the youngest woman (age 29) elected to Congress. In addition, the first black woman from Massachusetts was elected to Congress and the first Latinas were elected to Congress in Texas.
"Congress will see one of the largest and most diverse group of new members in decades, which presents a great opportunity for museums of all types and sizes in 2019," said Alliance President and CEO Laura Lott. "Building on our success of the past year, we will quickly engage our newly-elected representatives and share the value of museums and what the Alliance can quickly deliver to their districts. Fortunately, Museums Advocacy Day (Feb. 25-26) comes just weeks after the start of the new Congress, serving as a catalyst for our outreach and advocacy for all museums."
Viva Picasso y Espana!
Wildcelt celebrates the exhilarating expressive arts of Spain. Mark Wilson will review the S.F. de Young’s exhibition, Picasso Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, followed by a tribute to legendary Spanish couturier, Cristóbal Balenciaga… “Balenciaga, Haute Couture…Iberian Style”, plus some great Spanish films tie-ins.
Tutankhamun - The Return of The King
30 years ago "The Treasures of Tutankhamun" exhibit graced the S.F. Bay Area & created a new generation of Tut enthusiasts. With the advent of the deYoung Museums blockbuster; King Tut & the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, we've decided to take a retro look at the two shows & expand on some of the artistic influences that have evolved from Egyptian Art & the enigmatic power of Tutankhamun…
Degas, Impressionism and the Paris Millinery Trade
In September, 2017 I attended this captivating exhibit displayed at the San Francisco Legion of Honor Museum. 'Degas, Impressionism and the Paris Millinery Trade' featured approximately 40 impressive Impressionist paintings and pastels.