Viewing page 50 of 136

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

by President Johnson, there were five years of struggle to complete it, including the necessity of obtaining appropriations from Congress. The exterior is not yet complete. Cast iron ornaments on the roof are yet to be replaced, and it is hoped that two of the original sculptures by Moses Ezekiel can be restored to the two remaining niches on the west elevation of the building. He reported on the status of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York, pointing out that the recent benefit at the Wildenstein Gallery had raised $25,000. However, five million dollars are needed to restore the building - the Carnegie Mansion -- and convert it to museum use. Congress has been asked for funds to support operation of the museum. A grant of one-half million dollars has been received from other sources.

Mr. Ripley reported that Mr. Frank Taylor had retired and that Mr. Paul Perrot would join the S.I. in August as Assistant Secretary for Museum Programs.

Although the Hirshhorn Museum is more than six months behind schedule, all seems to be progressing well. The Secretary expressed his satisfaction with the building as it is now taking shape, commenting that the museum, once opened, would be a great addition. The National Endowment for the Arts has received a healthy boost in its budget which benefits all associated with the arts. The Corcoran Gallery of Art continues to have difficulties but there is a happy cooperation between the Corcoran and the NCFA. It is good to have the Renwick Gallery and the Corcoran so close together. After briefly discussing the budget submission to Congress, the Secretary asked for questions. In reply to Mr. Howe, he pointed out that grants from the National Endowment for the Arts had to be matched by private funds.

The Chairman called on the Director for his report.

[[underlined]]DIRECTOR'S REPORT[[underlined]]

Mr. Taylor reported that the Renwick Gallery opened late in January with eight exhibitions. Some galleries will be changed infrequently, one area is allotted chiefly to exhibitions from abroad, and a large gallery is set aside for major temporary shows. The large gallery for temporary exhibitions is on the first floor, gallery 104, now showing [[underlined]] Woodenworks,[[/underlined]] installed by NCFA's Office of Exhibition and Design. Exhibitions in other galleries for the opening were installed with the aid of the Office of Exhibits of the S.I. Eventually these will be replaced by exhibitions reflecting the same level of design as [[underlined]]Woodenworks[[/underlined]], produced by the NCFA staff.