In his new role as Director, Wayne Snellen has many visions and goals. In a recent conversation, he shared some of these ambitions with The Archive.

Snellen As Artist...Wayne would like to see more shows that center around painting. He states, "Given my sensibility, as a painter, I think that there may be more leanings toward shows that include paintings. Someday, I would like to start a special show, The Painting Invitational, whereby various artists submit work and two or three would be chosen to display.

Wayne's predisposition for painting, however, will not exclude other art forms. He states, "you will still see other mediums; the Photo Annual, for instance, will remain one of our premier shows."

Wayne emphasized that his major goal has more to do with the content of the shows than with the medium. He says, "Direction will be toward a more focused show, regardless of the medium. Pieces will relate to one another. I see less of a mix; shows will more likely be either paintings, or photography, but rarely both."

Wayne continues, "Consideration will also be given to more abstract work, not solely figurative. As long as it is consistent with a gay and lesbian sensibility. One thing I'd like to see is more diversity in what we show. I want to see more sculpture. I'd like to see more lesbian work."

In presentig these goals, Mr. Snellen is very clear that regardless of any change in direction, there will continue to be an emphasis on the quality of work shown at Leslie-Lohman and a respect for the artist.

A Message To Artists..."As an artist, I understand artists and their concern for their work. So sharing those concerns, their work will be respected, and handled properly. I also want to have smaller shows, so that artists can have some "breathing room." Wayne believes that smaller more focused shows will better represent the artists, give their work more visibility and not compete for display space.

In line with this goal, Wayne also wants "more documentation about the artist, about the work itself and about the context in which it exists. One of the major reasons we are here is for documentation. And this goes along with the respect you give the artist and his work, that each work and each artist has a history."

Wayne continues, "I encourage artists to keep their biographies updated, keep their exhibiton schedules updated. Any materials written on them -- articles, reviews -- keep us updated on that. People will look in their files. We currently have an author using us as a resource for a book he is writing on gay figurative art. This is what we are here for."

The Money Factor...And along with the goal of building the Archive, comes the need for financial support. Wayne notes, "We have two very wonderful founders, but they cannot do everything. I would like to see funding from private organizations, as well as our patrons. Funding is something we really need to start focusing on."

This funding, as well as the building of the Archive and an emphasis on focused shows are the goals that Wayne has established for the Foundation. For these goals to be realized will require the support and cooperation of artists, patrons, and volunteers. Let's give him that support.