FAMSF responds to Baker... or tries to

From the FAMSF Follies file: Kenneth Baker's write-up on FAMSF director John Buchanan's sorry exhibitions program (and more) apparently didn't go over so well in the museum's corner offices. A few days after the story ran the museum's troubled press office sent this out to some of the softer local outlets, society 'zines and the like:

A recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle examined the exhibition schedules for the de Young Museum and the Legion of Honor and asked: "Is it art?" Director John E. Buchanan, Jr. thinks this is a good question and he's prepared to tell you why. We would like to offer a live interview with Mr. Buchanan to address such issues as:

-What's the difference between fluff and fine art?

-What makes fashion art?

-Why have decorative arts exhibitions?

-What kind of experience should museum visitors expect?

-How are exhibitions organized and selected?

The article has sparked a provocative and valuable debate. Check out the responses posted on the Chronicle's web site:

The email then listed a URL that has expired. So far: No takers. When a museum has to defend itself as really showing art -- we swear it! -- it's got obvious problems.

Also: This Peter Max show was curated by... Peter Max. Why have curators at all? Museums? Scholarship? Nahhhhh...

Related: See some JPEGs of the Peter Max show. Scroll about halfway down.