KNOXVILLE — The Knoxville Museum of Art is completing its 25th Anniversary Campaign and is asking the community for help. Many philanthropic individuals, families, businesses, and foundations have already shown support and now the community is asked to help complete the campaign by making donations to the Museum. Contributions of any amount are needed and welcomed.

As the KMA prepares to celebrate its first quarter-century of operations in the landmark Clayton Building in 2015, the 25th Anniversary Campaign is securing the museum’s future as a vibrant regional asset. The campaign, which began in late 2012, has reached just over $9 million in cash pledges toward its overall goal of $10 million for the comprehensive renovation of the Clayton Building, improvements to the museum’s campus, operating endowment growth, and the establishment of an art acquisition fund.

According to KMA Executive Director David Butler, “The ‘quiet phase’ of the campaign among museum friends and stakeholders over the past year and half, chaired by KMA trustee Stuart Worden with the volunteer help of many current and former trustees, has been extremely successful. With the funds raised to date, we have been able to complete the comprehensive renovation of the Clayton Building, which looks even better than when it first opened twenty-five years ago. We are still seeking funds to help maintain our improved facility and grow the operating endowment and art acquisition fund.”

All donors to the campaign whose gifts are received before January 31, 2015 will be recognized in a permanent plaque to be installed in the museum lobby before the Clayton Building twenty-fifth birthday celebration on March 25, 2015. Pledged gifts may be paid over a five-year period. To contribute to the 25th Anniversary Campaign, go to www.knoxart.org or contact Susan Hyde at shyde@knoxart.org or 865-934-2045.

The catalyst for the 25th Anniversary Campaign has been the gift of the most ambitious and monumental figural glass installation in the world, the work of internationally renowned artist and Knoxville resident Richard Jolley. This dazzling 100- foot-long, 14-foot-high sculpture, titled Cycle of Life: Within the Power of Dreams and the Wonder of Infinity, the generous gift of Ann and Steve Bailey, was unveiled to the public in May 2014, along with the beautifully renovated and upgraded facility and grounds.

The gift of the Jolley sculpture, a spectacular affirmation of the museum’s commitment to the art and artists of the region, is but the latest in a decades-long legacy of remarkable and generous donations that created and have sustained the KMA. The largest single gift in the museum’s history, by local philanthropist Jim Clayton, led to the construction of the museum’s greatest masterpiece, the Clayton Building, which opened in 1990. This architectural landmark was designed by esteemed American Modernist architect Edward Larrabee Barnes and clad in Tennessee marble. As the building’s 25th anniversary and the Jolley unveiling approached, long-deferred maintenance and cosmetic work needed to be undertaken both on the interior and exterior, including the creation of a new North Garden for the entire community to enjoy.

The generous lead gifts on the campaign include a commitment of $2.5 million from the Aslan Foundation and a pledge of $1 million from the Clayton Family Foundation. Below is a list of the generous donors to the KMA’s 25th Anniversary Campaign, including those who have made estate commitments.

The Knoxville Museum of Art celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee, presents new art and new ideas, serves and educates diverse audiences, and enhances Knoxville’s quality of life. The museum is located in downtown Knoxville at 1050 World’s Fair Park and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10am–5pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Admission and parking are free.

Published October 29, 2014