ARLIS/SE

The meeting was called to order by Melissa McDonald of the Savannah College of Art and Design, the current Southeast Chapter President. Her opening comments included a welcome to the attendees with special thanks to the hostess, Jane McRae, former art librarian of the Birmingham Museum of Art. McDonald announced that President-Elect, Libby Rich of the Columbia Museum of Art was unable to attend. Minutes were to be taken by Cath Robbins in the absence of the Secretary, Stephen Majure.

The minutes of the previous year were not read but was attached to the present year's records. The meeting moved into new business with the election of the Vice-President/President-Elect and Newsletter Editor. The Nominating Committee recommended Debbie Barlow of Clemson University, as VP/PE, who was elected unanimously and will serve as host to next year's meeting. Stephen Patrick was nominated for Newsletter Editor, and was elected unanimously. Stephen requested that members send information to him for inclusion in the chapter newsletter.

Stephen Patrick (ETSU), 1996 Program Chair, reported on the June meeting of the preliminary planning committee which discussed various options and themes in preparation for ARLIS/Southeast hosting the 1996 ARLIS/NA Miami Beach Conference at the Doral Ocean Beach Hotel. Plans and activities during the conference were discussed. The tentative title will be "ARLIS and the New World / ARLIS y Nuevo Mundo", encompassing the theme of Latin American and Caribbean cultural issues. Patrick also outlined possible tours and reception events, potential speakers, the possibility of a bilingual (English/Spanish) program, and fundraising ideas for the chapter. In addition to Jim Findlay (Wolfsonian) as Local Arrangements Chair, other conference planning chairs include Anne Ross (Tampa Public Library) as Exhibits Coordinator, Lee Ann Brown (Morris Museum of Art, Augusta GA) volunteered to be Media Coordinator (computer and a-v equipment), Debbie Barlow (Clemson University) as Development and Fundraising Coordinator, Barbara Neil Young (Miami Public Library) coordinating tours and transportation, Marilyn Halkovic (University of Georgia, Athens) as Publications and Publicity Coordinator.

It was noted that Southeast Chapter members will also have to assist with staffing the Registration Desk and the Hospitality Suite. It was also discussed whether the SE Chapter should sponsor a special event or one of the program sessions in Miami Beach. Ideas need to be submitted following the 1995 Montreal Conference in March. Patrick also stressed the need for SE chapter members to assist with Registration Desk duties in Montreal, which is traditionally helped by the following year's host chapter. Members of the Texas Chapter will be assisting with these duties in Miami Beach, since they will be hosting the 1997 ARLIS/NA Conference in San Antonio. Ed Teague (University of Florida), President-Elect of ARLIS/NA, stated that a budget and timetable for the conference has to be established between May-July 1995 to be approved at the ARLIS/NA Mid-Year Executive Board Meeting in August.

Anne Ross spoke next regarding her experiences gained from working with both ALA and the Florida Library Association meetings, including the necessity for sending information out early and working closely with the vendors, organizing equipment well in advance, and other practical details particularly involving email and the Internet. It was mentioned that the Montreal conference will have an Internet or an offsite multimedia exhibit planned, and that those planning the Miami Conference should consider this as well.

Cath Robbins, speaking in behalf of the 1994 LoPresti Award Committee consisting of Kenneth Clark, Libby Rich and herself, announced the winners of the 10th Annual Mary Ellen LoPresti Publication Awards competition. The Committee selected two monographs and two catalogues as outstanding contributions to regional arts literature.

A discussion of dates and potential locations for the annual chapter meeting was debated. Some members felt a hardship with dates late in November creating problems; realizing that it was not always possible, it was suggested that dates from mid to late October were preferred. Some members noted that there are problems with accommodations in certain locations because of the heavy fall college football schedules. It was agreed that future hosts should try to move the meeting dates earlier, if possible.

Joan Stahl (Smithsonian Institution), ARLIS/NA Eastern Regional Representative, spoke on upcoming changes in the management of ARLIS/NA with the hiring of a new management firm and executive director. The Society's headquarters have moved from Tucson, Arizona to Raleigh, North Carolina. Any new publications, as well as Art Documentation and ARLIS Update, from the Society will reflect these changes. Stahl noted that these changes will probably benefit our chapter in planning the upcoming Miami Beach conference. She also encouraged members to attend the Montreal conference and to apply for the various travel awards. She noted that the next issue of Art Doc will be dedicated to art and design reviews of electronic media and cd-rom products.

Ed Teague, ARLIS/NA Vice President, spoke regarding the national ballots for the upcoming ARLIS/NA elections for the new Vice-President/President- Elect, Secretary, East, Midwest and Southern Regional Representatives. He strongly urged everyone to cast their ballots when they arrive via mail.

Melissa McDonald gave the Secretary/Treasurer's report in the absence of Steve Majure. She stated that the current balance, as of October 31st, was $2209.22 which did not include the current monies collected by attendees of the Birmingham Conference. Once all current bills are paid, the remaining funds will be available for projects/sessions the chapter may wish to sponsor for the Miami Beach conference.

Jane McRae, host of the anniversary meeting, spoke about current highlights in Birmingham's art scene and about various meeting events. She introduced some of the other hosts for the weekend, including Ethel Griffin, Patty Pilkerton, Grace Reid, Phil Clark, and others.