Recipients of the Gibbes Museum’s Philanthropy Award Announced at Year-End Luncheon

Press Release

The Gibbes Museum of Art marked the end of an unprecedented year by awarding the James Shoolbred Gibbes Philanthropy Award to nationally recognized artist Jonathan Green and his partner Richard Weedman. The award was announced at the Gibbes’ annual Fellows Luncheon, held on May 28th, the fifth anniversary of the reopening of the Gibbes following a $17 million restoration. Executive Director Angela Mack also praised the museum’s fellows for supporting the museum through the COVID-19 health crisis.

“Despite a global pandemic, our Gibbes community remained strong with over 400 fellow members,” said Angela Mack, the Gibbes Museum of Art’s executive director. “Because our members believe in the power of the visual arts, we continue to make a difference in our community. Art is the reason the Gibbes exists, and through their generosity, it will continue to inspire children and adults for generations to come.”

The James Shoolbred Gibbes Philanthropy Award is presented annually to an individual, group or business who demonstrates outstanding philanthropic contributions to the museum. This year the museum awarded Jonathan Green and Richard Weedman the award for stepping forward and allowing their private collection to be displayed in the galleries when COVID-19 canceled the museum’s planned exhibition. Building a Legacy: The Vibrant Vision Collection of Jonathan Green and Richard Weedman was on display at the Gibbes from August 2020 – January 2021. Green was visibly moved by the honor and accepted the award saying, “I believe it is my destiny, not to just be black and an artist, but to be a humanitarian.”

The museum was able to end the fiscal year in the black through member support, private donations and fundraising efforts. The Gibbes’ two auxiliary groups, the Women’s Council and Society 1858, raised over $140,000 to support the museum’s exhibition and education programs and the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art. Local philanthropists Kim and Jim Pallotta donated $1 million to the museum, the largest single private donation since the museum’s inception.

The Gibbes also welcomed new and returning members to the Gibbes’ Board of Directors. David Cohen, Dan Gallagher, Spencer Lynch, Martha McLendon, Michele Seekings, Sally Smith, Chuck Sullivan and Betsy Saal are newly elected Vice-Chairs. Board Members re-elected for another three-year term include Katarina Fjording, Lou Hammond, Cindy Hayes, Anne Janas, Ras Smith and Andrea Woodfield. Jason Brown, Mindy Hong, Gail Hughes, Karl Riner and Kathy Salmanowitz were each elected to their first term. Sarah Donnem and Harriett Smart were elected to the prestigious Board Member Emeritus for their years of incredible service to the Gibbes.

For more information about the Gibbes Museum of Art, visit www.gibbesmuseum.org.

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