MUSEUM'S DIRECTOR SKETCHING PLANS FOR PALETTE OF CHANGES.Byline: P. CATHERINE SHANKS
The shanks and tattlers are wading bird species in a number of genera characterised by a medium length bill and long, often brightly coloured legs. Community Columnist For the newly appointed director of the Ventura County Museum of History & Art, taking over the helm of the growing venue is a creative endeavor. A range of items are on Tim Schiffer's agenda - from building the museum's endowment to overseeing steps toward accreditation - as he paints a picture of the work he would like to accomplish during his tenure. ``The museum is like a big art project, in a way,'' said Schiffer. ``There's something about this type of institution that's appealing.'' Schiffer, who for six years has served as museum curator, takes on the directorial duties - replacing retiring executive director Ed Robings - as the museum is poised on the precipice of change. By stepping up the public profile and perception of the museum, the new director hopes to raise the annual number of visitors, now 70,000, by 30,000 people. On his agenda: Building the museum endowment and initiating a significant capital campaign within five years, establishing a 2,000-item farm equipment museum, and overseeing the third step toward accreditation by the American Association of Museums The American Association of Museums (AAM) is a non-profit association that has been bringing museums together since its founding in 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the . Robings referred to Schiffer, 44, as an innovator and a youthful influence who will bring a new look to the exhibits and draw a younger generation of visitors. Robings also remarked on the calm demeanor The outward physical behavior and appearance of a person. Demeanor is not merely what someone says but the manner in which it is said. Factors that contribute to an individual's demeanor include tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, and carriage. and the capable qualities of his successor. ``Tim has made incredible improvements,'' said Robings. ``He quietly gets things done.'' Schiffer was responsible for financing for the recent renovation and redesign of the museum's Huntsinger Gallery, the museum's main gallery that depicts the history of the region. Also, the Smith Gallery, housing the breathtaking collection of miniature George Stuart Historical Figures, is now fiber optic thanks to Schiffer's fund-raising efforts Noun 1. fund-raising effort - a campaign to raise money for some cause fund-raising campaign, fund-raising drive crusade, campaign, cause, drive, effort, movement - a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end; "he supported . The Hoffman Gallery is regularly decorated with some of the best fine art the county has to offer - from dolls and toys, to automotive memorabilia and crazy quilts crazy quilt n. 1. A patchwork quilt of pieces of cloth of various shapes, colors, and sizes, sewn together in an irregular pattern. 2. , to oils and pastels. Prior to joining the museum as a curator, Schiffer lectured in art and held the position of gallery director at the College of Creative Studies at UC Santa Barbara Santa Barbara (săn'tə bär`brə, –bərə), city (1990 pop. 85,571), seat of Santa Barbara co., S Calif., on the Pacific Ocean; inc. 1850. . He taught painting and art appreciation for the Santa Barbara City College As of 2004, total enrollment of full-time and part-time students reached 17,000. It is currently led by President John Romo, who will be retiring at the end of Spring 2008 after seven years with the institution. department of continuing education continuing education: see adult education. continuing education or adult education Any form of learning provided for adults. In the U.S. the University of Wisconsin was the first academic institution to offer such programs (1904). , in conjunction with the Santa Barbara Museum of Art Coordinates: The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is an art museum located at 1130 State St. in downtown Santa Barbara, California. It was founded in 1941 and currently ranks amongst the top 10 regional art museums in the United States . , and he has served on the board of directors of the California Association of Museums. Schiffer holds a bachelor's degree from Yale and a master's degree master's degree n. An academic degree conferred by a college or university upon those who complete at least one year of prescribed study beyond the bachelor's degree. Noun 1. from UC Santa Barbara. During his tenure as curator, he organized more than 25 changing exhibitions at the museum. ``It's good to have somebody from within the organization to assume the executive director position,'' said Robings, who commended Schiffer for making a difference at the museum and in the community. Robings said Schiffer also was responsible for beginning a Ventura County fine art collection and for developing a family-oriented educational program. Robings will be honored for his 10 years as executive director at a special retirement dinner set for Thursday in the museum courtyard. The public is welcome and tickets are $25 per person. The Ventura County Museum of History & Art is located at 100 East Main St. in Ventura. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum houses three galleries, an extensive research library, a store and regularly changing displays and special events. Admission prices range from free to $4. For more information, view the Internet Web site at www.vcmha.org or call the museum at (805) 653-0323. CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: (Color) Tim Schiffer is the new executive director of the Ventura Museum of History and Art. Michael Owen
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