Field of Dreams, notwithstanding, the answer in Roanoke is “No.” Twice we have been shown that. First, under the stewardship of Bern Ewert and others, Explore Park blossomed along The Blue Ridge Parkway. At the time, and in fact even today, it did not seem like such a far-fetched idea. More people traverse that scenic road than visit many of the national parks combined; and they do it each year. Why virtually none of them took the one mile detour to Explore Park still seems odd . . . but that’s what happened.
The fate of The Art Museum of Western Virginia, now The Taubman, is not as hard to decipher. When I served on their board years ago, the floor plan was an architect’s nightmare, but the space was utilized in ingenious ways. That improvements were needed was a case against which no one would argue.
Much has been written about The Taubman and its problems. Some were unforeseeable. The crash of the economy came after the juggernaut had already been launched from the planning stage. While a few thinking people saw it coming, virtually no one understood the magnitude and the devastation the recession would cause. That’s not the fault of the museum’s staff or board. After that, one can rattle on endlessly about exorbitant expectations, the egocentricity of the wealthy that supported the mammoth increase in scope and cost, the style and location of the new building in the flood plain, and so on.
In defense of the major donors, they have given generously to charitable causes, not only here in Roanoke, but all over the world. I hope they will continue to support local organizations, but given the publicity they have received, one could hardly blame them if they look elsewhere to make worthwhile donations.
None of those facts, however, are the current issue. It would seem that the museum is unsustainable in its current iteration. But there it sits. I can think of few worse things than having it close. Any 66 million dollar building sitting vacant in the middle of downtown would be a huge negative for the city.
While their reach may have exceeded their grasp, the board is now faced with a new and even more daunting task: What to do? They are asking for help. Meetings of interested citizens have been held about how to save a sinking venture. Simply throwing more money at it is not a solution. As the saying goes, that would be rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
A way must be found to preserve it; the museum’s cultural and educational values are irreplaceable. Since the first floor is unusable for art because of the flood issue, maybe that portion could be developed as a profit center. The Mall on the Market, an educational facility in conjunction with local schools and colleges, a cultural hub similar to The Jefferson Center, or corporate offices . . . there are many possibilities.
David Mickenberg, the executive director, has an impressive background as a scholar and an administrator. When he took this job, I hope he saw the iceberg in the distance. If he did, then his courage is to be admired. If he didn’t, then the seemingly impending disaster will be all the more personally painful for him.
Creative minds available in the community will need to come up with some suggestions. The city, which contributed to the project, should be centrally involved. After the Market Square Building renovation is completed, City Council must know that the structure across the street should serve a more useful purpose than a tourist’s eye-catcher from Roy Webber Expressway.
Like it or not, the building is there; it has a purpose and a mission. We, as concerned citizens, need to be a part of its future, whatever that may be. Of one thing I am sure: Simply propping it up financially and hoping the corn stalks will someday part as floods of art lovers come seems as unlikely as Field of Dreams.
