Not a Pretty Picture

But the board has already gone far beyond that. As part of Winkler's new contract, the board proposed a job performance review. Winkler, a gangly, gentle man known more for his ability to develop close relationships with artists than for his ability to charm perspective patrons, would be rated on a scale of 1 to 5 on such issues as "Does the director function consistently in an objective and rational manner regardless of pressure?" and "Does the director's appearance and demeanor express executive style and confidence?"

Claiming fiduciary responsibility, the board has also entertained the idea of selling the de Menil residence, which was architect Philip Johnson's first commission and probably Houston's first modernist structure. Architecture historian Stephen Fox has appeared before the board to make a case for the house's significance, and last week Johnson spoke to a small gathering at the house. There, architect William Stern, who helped organize the event, stood before the plate glass fronting the lavish tropical garden and earnestly pointed out that the house would be even more important at 100 years old than it is at 50.

Of course, maintaining a house for guests, cultural events or meetings would be an added expense. "Our first hope would be to save the house," Sarofim says.

And while she can understand the staff's concerns, Sarofim says, "It's not our intention to change the uniqueness of the museum or to dilute it. ...[Dominique] didn't want it to just stay in a static situation."

But many insist the board's changes weren't what Dominique had in mind. "If Dominique were alive," Berg says of Glaser's firing, "it never would have happened.