Brooklyn Museum of Art, Collector's Panel

[Steve Weintraub]

Hi all,

I have some very exciting news!
The Brooklyn Museum of Art is launching a new panel series to discuss
collecting in Brooklyn. Desiree, the Adult Program's Coordinator, had
reached out to Arts in Bushwick many weeks ago to see if we (Arts in
Bushwick) would be interested in being on their panel. Chloe had
brought this to our attention at a meeting and I had asked to take the
lead on their proposal, especially since the focus would be in the
visual arts.

After communicating with Desiree, the kinds of questions they
originally had in mind were alone these lines, and I quote from an e-
mail:

The panel that we'd like you all to be on is interested building
a
Brooklyn based collection - artists from Brooklyn, galleries in
Brooklyn, appraisers in Brooklyn, consultants in Brooklyn. Where are
these resources? Who are the people in the know? What do these
artists
need? What are these buyers looking for? Where can the interested
find
quality pieces? How can the curious begin to learn about Brooklyn's
fine arts landscape? These are some of the kinds of questions that
we'll probably be asking for your insight on as it relates to the role
your organization plays, directly and indirectly, in helping people to
navigate these topics and learn about Brooklyn's art scene.

First Chloe, and then I, had a long conversation with Desiree to
discuss how these questions were unsuitable to our organization, since
these commerical questions lay outside our mission statement, since
Arts in Bushwick's mission acts mainly as a facilitator of artists
projects and larger collaborator within the community. Specifically,
I said that in speaking as a representative of Arts in Bushwick, I
would not feel comfortable answering specific collecting questions
that determine the quality or value of art.

On the other hand, I suggested that Arts in Bushwick would have a very
positive presence on the panel if we would be allowed to discuss the
collaborative nature of our organization in creating alternative
spaces for exhibiting art, our desire to foster a supportive community
and create a richer dialogue. In terms of collecting, I could talk
about our benefit and other ways that collectors can get in on the
ground and talk to the artists, as during our Open Studios event. I
also stressed how art is shaped by the greater context of a given
"scene" that gives value to a greater community versus a couple of
bright stars. In summary, Arts in Bushwick would present a very non-
commerical approach to collecting art, which is both personable and
also broadcasts a larger idea of exhibition space.

Well, I finally heard back from Desiree, I guess she and her
colleugues seemed to "get it", because I have been offered a seat on
the panel!!!I The Panel is slated for May 27, which puts it between
the BOS Benefit and the Festival.

I think this would be a really positive opportunity to solicit some
major interest in the organization and the neighborhood, as well as to
provide clarification and help define Arts In Bushwick for a larger
audience. Not to mention the attention we can provide for the
neighborhood in terms of collectors, curators, museums, and media. I
don't want to overshoot anyone's expectations for this panel, but it
is a good start in broadening our appeal and importance to the rest of
Brooklyn and some major institutions.

I did not want to accept her offer until I have heard back from
everyone, but I think we should respond to her sooner rather then
later.

Please let me know.
Steve

[Laura Cline]

Congrats, and well spoken! I say go for it!

Laura Cline

============

On Apr 25, 2009, at 5:40 PM, Steve Weintraub

[Ali]

Sounds great. I think you should definitely do it!

Ali

[Aurora Robson]

Steven,
This is awesome. Congrats! I think you will do fantastically!
- Aurora

[Brea]

That is fantastic news! Definitely go for it!

[Laura Braslow]

Cool beans.  :)

--
Laura Braslow
Arts In Bushwick
917-771-9683
Lau...@ArtsInBushwick.org
www.ArtsInBushwick.org

[Steve Weintraub]

Thanks for everyone's vote of confidence!

I confirmed with Desiree and will forward more information when I
receive it.

Thanks,
Steve

[Steve Weintraub]

Here's the official information from the Museum regarding the panel
discussion on Wednesday,

COLLECTING CURRENTLY
A New Art Salon Series

Collecting Currently is a new evening series on art collecting in the
fluctuating market for both the savvy and the curious. Enjoy a glass
of wine while conversing with and learning from curators, scholars,
dealers, consultants, and collectors.

Collecting in Brooklyn
Wednesday, May 27, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Familiarize yourself with the work of emerging Brooklyn artists and
develop insider strategies for art collecting. Moderated by András
Szántó, senior lecturer at Sotheby's Institute of Art and co-founder
of ArtWorldsalon.com, the panel includes Danny Simmons, noted artist
and collector; Joe Amrhein from Williamsburg's Pierogi gallery; Steve
Weintraub of Arts in Bushwick; and Jen Bekman of Jen Bekman Gallery
and Jen Bekman Projects, Inc.

Creating a Niche Collection
Wednesday, June 10, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Receive insight into building a collection that reflects your passion
and personal interest. Moderated by Barry R. Harwood, Brooklyn Museum
curator, the panel includes Michael Valentine, collector and
publisher; Eric Silver, private dealer, a featured appraiser on the
"Antiques Roadshow," and Director of Lillian Nassau LLC; Robert
Lesser, collector; and Katherine Griefen, Director of A.I.R. Gallery.
Registration
Registration is $20 per session ($15 for Members) or $36 for both
sessions ($28 for Members). Wine included. Wine bar opens at 6:30 p.m.
To register, visit http://www.museumtix.com.