THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, April 8, 1996 TAG: 9604050007
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
I do not question the dedication of the board of trustees at The Chrysler Museum of Art; but I do question its use of staff dismissals to solve the museum's funding shortfall.
``Strengthen it'' (editorial, March 10) attempts to justify the recent dismissals. The editorial states that the seven employees were summarily dismissed, yet asks the public to continue to support an institution whose solution to a financial shortfall is met with shortsighted casting off of loyal staff.
Two of the staff who lost their positions are known throughout the area for their contributions to the museum.
Rena Hudgins, head librarian, had been employed at the museum for seven years and had overseen the monumental task of moving the Jean Outland Chrysler Library from the downtown school-administration building into the new wing of the museum built to house it. She also brought the library into the 20th century by working to raise funds and planning and executing an automation system. Museum literature praises its library as a major asset to the art world. How can we maintain a first-rate library without a fully qualified art librarian?
Trinkett Clark, curator of 20th-century art, created the Parameters exhibition presenting work by outstanding contemporary artists and was the organizing force for the Irene Leche exhibition. Both the library and Parameters educated the public and brought many people into the museum who otherwise might never have visited.
Was the decision to dismiss these employees made by the full board? Of the 24 trustees, surely there would have been a voice that spoke for reason over expediency. How can an institution designed to uplift and educate the public be true to its mission if it lacks leadership that is prudent and sensitive?
There remain other unanswered questions relating to finances at the museum. The administrative assistant to the director for 15 years was abruptly dismissed (MetroNews, Nov. 11, 1995), yet we supporters of the museum were never told why.
Where were the trustees those four consecutive years the museum ran a deficit, as noted in your editorial? Isn't it their job to raise money?
I, too, am a dedicated member and volunteer of the museum, but whether I can continue my support is doubtful if explanations are not forthcoming.
GLORIA JUNE ETHERIDGE
Norfolk, March 15, 1996 by CNB