In case you missed it: The Fralin Collection and the Taubman Museum of Art
This morning WVTF Public Radio aired a lengthy story about the decision to name the University of Virginia’s Art Museum after Roanoke philanthropists Heywood and Cynthia Fralin (click link to listen to an MP3 and read the transcript) in exchange for the gift of their private art collection — and some controversy that’s arisen since the arrangement was first announced in May.
Through the Horace G. Fralin Charitable Trust, the Fralins have been responsible for providing the Taubman Museum of Art with the bulk of its collection of American art. Those who follow the Roanoke Valley art scene have wondered if the Fralins’ gift to the U.Va. museum signaled a change in their relationship with the Taubman. Heywood Fralin has declined to comment on the Taubman in recent years, but the WVTF interview provides this tidbit in which Cynthia Fralin discusses the Taubman:
Yeah, with things so uncertain still down there, I think Heywood really wanted to have a legacy at a place that he knew was always going to be there and be stable and secure.
The story also presents art experts affiliated with U.Va. who are critical of the university’s decision to name the museum after the Fralins for “a cluster of minor works”:
Nor did [U.Va. President Teresa] Sullivan talk to museum board members like Jim Godfrey, a former vice president and director of Sotheby’s.
“I nearly fell off my chair, particularly when I became aware that there was no funding attached. I think it’s a group of modest-quality paintings by B-plus artists.”
September 12, 2012 - 3:33 PM
Yep. That story yesterday made me cringe on several levels.
Do we have any information regarding the museum status reacreditation process, Mike? It would be good to have assurance that the Permenant Collection has full protection. Lots of Folks are very concerned about this, but the current state of accreditation of the Taubman remains unclear.
Hi, Gwenda! No, at the moment, I’m afraid I don’t know much about this. I’ll see what I can do to remedy that.
How ungrateful this appears to somebody who was generous enough to give to both museums.
The criticism of the quality of Fralin’s art (B+ artists) came from a member of the museum board. It was a cheap shot, generated by UVA’s neglect to consult with knowledgable university people. The Fralin’s should not be treated like that. UVA needs to be governed by people who don’t give a lot of money to political parties.