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With free admission and extensive kids' programs, the San Jose Museum of Art has proven it's no stranger to a hands-on approach—and such accessibility also extends to the museum's donors. A portion of the dues from membership in the museum's influential donor group, the Council of 100, goes to acquisitions for the museum's permanent collection.
These donors not only help purchase art, they also choose some of it. Every June, the Council of 100 votes on artworks members would like to contribute to the permanent collection.
On Feb. 20, the council met at the museum for an informal dinner and a discussion with Michael Duncan, guest curator of the museum's current L.A. Post Cool exhibit, and John Sonsini, one of the artists featured in that exhibit. The museum's Oshman Executive Director Dan Keegan also spoke, delivering some news that's remarkably good for these lean times. Keegan said the museum has increased its attendance by 112 percent in the past 18 months and at the same time has reduced its expenses by 24 percent. The museum expects to add new programs, the Friends of Exhibitions and the Friends of Education—and celebrate its 35th anniversary this fall.
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