California Association of Museums: Annual Conference 2007

Session 1A - Gray powerpoint (1.53MB)
Abstract: This presentation is a picture tour of a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art. MOCA’s teaching methodology is based and centered on audience and exhibition objects, exploring concepts through inquiry-discussion, dialogue, and other interactive, participatory methods of learning. The presentation also outlines the community-centered ongoing museum programs designed for families, teens, and adults.

Session 1A - Hollingsworth powerpoint (1.92 MB)
Abstract: The presentation explained the success achieved by the exhibition Through the Gates: Brown v. Board of Education to reach diverse audiences and suggested helpful approaches for other institutions to recreate a similar model.

Session 1A - Sasaki powerpoint (120.94 KB)
Abstract: The Japanese American National Museum is facing a new challenge. Because the very nature of the Japanese American community is changing, the Museum’s staff & board realizes that it must recalibrate the museum to engage and serve its next-generation audience(s). But how can you recalibrate an entire organization? This presentation explores the Museum's three-year plan to explore how a “culturally specific arts organization” can adapt to changing societal demographics and more effectively engage audiences that are increasingly multiethnic.

Session 1A - Wong powerpoint (4.02 MB)
Abstract: The Exploratorium's Community Engagement Initiative (2004-2006) has provided a variety of insights regarding narrowing audience focus, defining accessibility, and experimenting with the idea of relevancy in public programming for Chinese and Latino families. This presentation provides a vivid account of some of the programs initiated, goals attained, and remaining challenges.

SESSION 1B: Collaborative Online Learning Resources

Moderator: Robin Kaplan, Manager, Collaborative Arts Resources for Education. Presenters: Vivian Kung Haga, Director of Education, Museum of Photographic Arts; Kate Anderson-Gray, Teacher, Rosa Parks Elementary School

Session 1B - Kaplan powerpoint (3.02 MB)
Session 1B - Kaplan powerpoint with notes (1.85 MB)
Abstract: In 2004, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Museum of Photographic Arts, and San Diego Museum of Art launched a 3-year collaborative art education initiative titled Collaborative Arts Resources for Education (CARE). Using the CARE Program as a case study, this powerpoint covers strategies for working on a collaborative project, the successes and challenges of creating an educational online resource, and the future goals of the CARE website.

SESSION 1C: Evaluating Fundraising Events – Are They Worth the Time and Effort?

Moderator: Rachel Orlins Bergman, Director/Curator, Yolo County Historical Museum. Presenters: Jill Rode, Development Director, Santa Barbara Zoo; Jim DeMersman, Executive Director, Hayward Area Historical Society & Museums

Session 1C - Rode powerpoint (71.8 KB)
Abstract: This presentation evaluates the Santa Barbara Zoo's annual special event, Zoofari Ball. Through a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis, and assistance of a consultant, the Zoo has turned this wonderful "friend" raiser into a significant fundraiser as well.

SESSION 2A: Evaluating Fundraising Events – Are They Worth the Time and Effort?

Presenters: Marianna Adams, Ed.D., Research Associate, Institute for Learning Innovation; Paul Gabriel, Learning Specialist/Educational Consultant; Nancy Owens Renner, Exhibit Developer, San Diego Natural History Museum

Abstract: Exhibit planners expect visitors to focus, filter, and make meaning from text, objects, and media. For some, the experience is enjoyable and effortless; for others, painful and impossible. Visitors with learning disabilities can serve as early and reliable indicators for barriers to learning, identifying problems of visual, auditory, and textual overload that adversely affect many "average" visitors. These powerpoint presentations covers recent research and application to an exhibition at the San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM) and discusses how these methods apply to museums of any size, subject, and budget.

Session 2A - Adams (584 KB)
Session 2A - Gabriel (269 KB)
Session 2A - SDNHM Exhibit Overview (part 1 of 2) (1.25 MB)
Session 2A - SDNHM Staff Perspectives (part 2 of 2) (3.83 MB)

SESSION 2C: Museum Alliances: Common Goals, Common Good

Moderator/Presenter: Shawn Lum, Executive Director, Vacaville Museum and Solano County Museum Consortium member. Presenter: Mari Lyn Salvador Ph.D., Executive Director, San Diego Museum of Man and Balboa Park Museums member; Julia McHugh, Director of Public Relations, Santa Barbara Zoo

Session 2C - Lum powerpoint (2.92 MB)
Session 2C - Lum powerpoint notes (213 KB)
Abstract: Collaboration is not always an easy sell, whether to Trustees who may not understand how time on joint projects is recouped, or to partner organizations who may not feel comfortable leaving individual agendas aside. This presentation looks at some ways collaboration is already working and possible outcomes of successful collaborations.

SESSION 3B: See/Hear: Cross Disciplinary Approaches to Exhibiting Collections

Moderator: LouAnne Greenwald, Director of Exhibits, Public Programs, The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Presenters: Vanda Vitali, Vice President, Public Programs, The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County; Dirk Houtgraaf, Associate Director, Public Engagement, Naturalis, the National Natural History Museum of the Netherlands; Kim Abeles, Artist, Featured in Conversations I, The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Abstract: A wealth of entertainment offerings today compete for audience attention – how can museums set themselves apart? What new approaches can we use to inspire and motivate visitors? With the costs of traveling exhibitions rising, institutions such as NHMLAC and Naturalis are exploring new exhibit models that integrate artistic imagination into presentations of their permanent collections, thereby creating new “lenses” for viewing historical artifacts and shedding light on their contemporary relevance.

Session 3B - Abeles powerpoint (902 KB)
Session 3B - Houtgraaf powerpoint (2.04 MB)
Session 3B - Sonic Scenery slides (739 KB)
Session 3B - Vitali powerpoint (877 KB)

SESSION 3C: Up and Coming: New Research in Collections Management

Moderator: Monica Tucker, Collections Manager, History San Jose. Presenters: Karen Hong Saracino, Registrar, Anderson Art Collection; Nicole DeGuzman, Alum, JFK University; and Jim McClure

Session 3C - Saracino powerpoint (1.29 MB)
Abstract: The purpose of this presentation is to inform collections managers and registrars on best practices and methods of animation cel storage and preservation. The animated film is one of America's few original artforms, yet there is no standard for animation cel storage and preservation in museums. Preservation of this art form has become more urgent as computers take over the field of animation and traditional cels are no longer created for filmmaking. Thus, the cels have great historical value and are increasingly rare in number. Furthermore, the fragile nature of the medium makes cels difficult to store. Cel preservation is vital to keeping the history of animation film alive and accessible for future generations.

SESSION 4B: Wrestling with Event Rentals and Catering Issues

Moderator/Presenter: Joe Brennan, Director of Facilities, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Presenter: Wendy Franklin, Director of Marketing and Events, Stanford Mansion; Kris Quist, Curator, Monterey State Historical Park

Session 4B - Brennan - Facility Use Policies (149 KB)
Abstract: This session's theme was that proper management of Facility and Event Rentals can be a win/win for institutions and clients alike. One of the foundations of this success is a clear document defining the roles and responsibilities of each party. These Facility Use Policies are available as a valuable resource for a successful Event Rental. SFMOMA requests that if this set of Policies is reused that their name is removed and appropriate credit is given for its use.

SESSION 5B: Collections Management Database Systems - Search & Rescue!

Moderator: Sarah Kennington, Chief Registrar, Fowler Museum of Cultural History. Presenters: Layna White, Head of Collections, Information, and Access, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Carole Campbell; Registrar for Collections Management, J. Paul Getty Museum; Tom Callas, Registrar, Orange County Museum of Art; Stella Dinger, Database Coordinator, Yolo County Historical Museum

Session 5B - Dinger powerpoint (1.52 MB)
Abstract: Past Perfect is a valuable collection management software that provides for a variety of uses: for cataloguing descriptions and photographs of items, for handling accessions, cataloging, loans and condition reporting, and as an aid in preparing research and reports. This powerpoint was prepared and presented by the primary collections and database coordinator, a regular volunteer for the Yolo County Historical Museum in Woodland.

SESSION 5C: What You Need to Know About What School Children Need to Know: The Latest in Prek-12 California Curriculum Standards

Moderator: Adrienne McGraw, Director of Programs and Interpretation, Filoli Center. Presenters: Gary Widdison, Director, Outdoor Science Schools, Los Angeles County Office of Education; Jennifer Rigby, Co-consultant for the Education and the Environment Initiative, The Acorn Group

Session 5C - Rigby powerpoint (430 KB)
Abstract: The Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI) was signed into law in 2003, representing a broad-ranging endeavor that connects education about the environment with California’s standards-based instructional system. This presentation introduces the EEI mandates, the associated environmental principles and concepts, and the implications of EEI for museum education programs.

SESSION 7A: Going Green, Part I: Creating More Sustainable Museums for the Future

Moderator: Kate Davies, Executive Director, Downey Museum of Art. Presenters: Greg Reitz, Green Building Advisor/LEED AP, City of Santa Monica; Tim McNeil, Assistant Professor and Director of the UC Davis Design Museum; Adrienne McGraw, Director of Programs and Interpretation, Filoli Center

Session 7A - 2007 Resource Guide (144.64 KB)
Abstract: This resource guide provides an overview of the many facets of sustainability within an institution. It outlines a number of resources for museums looking to "green" their organization, including sustainable living and building, green exhibit design, sustainable gardens, sustainable papers and printing, and funding opportunities for greening efforts. It also includes a list of resources for further reading, and provides contact information for the organizations who supported the Green Museum Initiative at the 2007 CAM Conference.

Session 7A - Davies powerpoint (3.18 MB)
Session 7A - Davies presentation text (168 KB)
Abstract: The Green Museums Initiative will inspire California museums to develop green business practices, eco-friendly facility management, and sustainable programming. This presentation is an overview of the Green Museums Initiative and how other organizations and institutions are incorporating sustainability into their daily operations.

Session 7A - McNeil powerpoint (8.52 MB)
Abstract: Designers working for museums can take their cues from sustainable exhibition design. This presentation addresses the topic from three perspectives: a practicing exhibition designer, an educator teaching exhibition design, and a director and programmer of an exhibition space. Looking at sustainable exhibition design through these three lenses exposes the challenges and reveals holistic solutions, with an eye to influencing the future generation of museum and exhibition designers.

SESSION 7C: How to Tell Your Museum’s Financial Story

Moderator: Diane Wondolowski, CFO, Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Presenters: Carolyn Hojaboom, Partner, Moss Adams LLP; Leslie Richardson, Director, Moss Adams LLP; Laura Roos, Partner, Moss Adams LLP

Session 7C - Powerpoint (2.9 MB)
Abstract: With increased legislation, raised donor expectations, and a new generation’s changing views on philanthropy, not-for-profit organizations need to be more transparent and better at communicating their mission and results. This presentation covers approaches and techniques to support effective financial communication that tells a museum’s “story.” The powerpoint also illustrates some basics on reading a financial statement, communicating important elements, and understanding not-for-profit “rating” websites like Charity Navigator.

SESSION 8B: Interpretation for the iPod® Generation: How Podcasts and Downloadable Tours Help Reach New Audiences

Moderator: Jane Burrell, Vice President, Education and Public Programs, Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Presenters: Ben Rogers, Director of New Media, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County; Karen Moss, Director of Education and Public Programs, Orange County Museum of Art; Peter Stevenson, Senior Creative Manager, Antenna Audio

Session 8B - Powerpoint (1.22 MB)
Abstract: This presentation reviews how some California museums are reaching out to younger, more diverse audiences through podcasting, downloadable audio tours, and iPod® tours. The slides describe recent projects, explain how museums can implement these technologies, and illustrated a discussion of best practices, potential pitfalls, costs, and perceived benefits.

SESSION 8C: How to Work with Government

Moderator: Nancy Fox, CEO, Museum of Latin American Art. Presenters: California Senator Alan Lowenthal; Isaac Kos-Read, Director of Northern California Operations, Townsend Public Affairs; Phil Kohlmetz, Executive Director, Western Railway Museum; Kathryn Lynch, Lynch and Associates; California State Senator Alan Lowenthal

Session 8C - Kohlmetz summary and notes (64.2 KB)
Abstract: Given the public benefit provided by museums, it is in the best interest of society to support the work of museums, but the degree and depth of this support varies greatly by region, level of government, etc. How can you make sure your institution is maximizing its relationship with government? This summary outlines the presentation given to answer these questions.