RD59 - Annual Report of the Museum of Fine Arts for 2003-2004


Executive Summary:
I am pleased to present the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Annual Report with highlights of the 2003-04 fiscal year. What a year it has been, indeed! The bold colors and typography of the new "VMFA" stand for a new era of exciting triumphs and possibilities.

Because of your support, we are well on our way toward a newly expanded VMFA. We thank all of you-members, Individual Patrons, foundations, and corporations-who are giving generously to match state funding for our building project.

The new VMFA will be able to display more art treasures from the collection for broader audiences; bring significant exhibitions to the Richmond metropolitan area on a regular basis; transform our city block into a new Sculpture Garden and park for the historical neighborhood; welcome greater numbers of school groups with their own entrance and orientation rooms; and continue to offer excellent art programs for communities statewide.

The next phase of the Capital Campaign for the Expansion and renovations will be critical to help as reach our working goal. There are still many naming opportunities-a gallery, a conservation lab, a public space, for example-if you would like VMFA to recognize your family or your friends as part of this historical moment.

VMFAs three-part Expansion plan is proceeding according to a syncopated schedule. The first exciting watershed is the groundbreaking for the Parking Deck. Then, once working drawings for the new wing are completed, construction on the main building will begin. After that, the Sculpture Garden will be landscaped to provide the finishing touches. I look forward to celebrating the grand opening of the new VMFA in 2007-08 with all of you!

In the meantime, the Museum continues to offer an exciting schedule of exhibitions and programs, and the many events of 2003-04 are detailed in the following pages.

Fortunately, VMFA survived Hurricane Isabel a year ago with minimal damage (none to the art). We met the challenge of another year of restricted state budgets (continued from2002-03), though we are indeed grateful for the support that we received from Governor Mark R. Warner and the General Assembly of Virginia.

This is my final Annual Report as President of VMFA!s Board of Trustees since taking office in 1999. It has been a privilege to serve this fine institution. My thanks go to fellow Trustees; to John Curtis, President of the Foundation; to the Foundation Directors; to Dr. Michael Brand for his steady direction; and to VMFAs creative and dedicated staff. Together, we accomplished much and made it possible for this great Museum to continue to grow. Above all, I thank you, our members, for your loyal support.

Jane Bassett Spilman
President, Board of Trustees