Q & A

Q: Why does the museum need a capital campaign?

A: The campaign will allow LRMA to add much-needed gallery space to accommodate a wide variety of programs, replace outdated art storage with a new state-of-the-art vault, and enlarge the driveway, loading dock, and shipping and receiving areas.

Q: How will these improvements help the museum?

A: LRMA will be able to exhibit more of its permanent collection and present lectures, concerts, performances, education programs, and other activities in the new gallery space. The new collections storage will safeguard the museum’s nationally recognized art collection, and the new driveway, loading dock, and shipping and receiving area will enable LRMA to bring major exhibitions by the world’s greatest artists to our community.

Q: Tell me more about the new gallery space.

A: LRMA will add 3,425 square feet of gallery space designed for maximum versatility with the latest audiovisual technology. Usable as one space or two, depending on the function, the gallery will accommodate a variety of programs and allow visitors to see more of the museum’s impressive art collection.

Q: Why does LRMA need a new storage area?

A: The museum’s current art storage area, built in 1925, is no longer adequate for the important artwork that must be stored when not on view. The new storage will be larger with improved climate control, safeguarding the museum’s artistic treasures and providing space for future additions to the museum collection.

Q: Why is the museum spending money on the loading dock and shipping and receiving area?

A: Major art exhibitions arrive at LRMA in large trucks with artwork packed in custom-designed storage crates that require climate-regulated storage until they are used to return the exhibition. To accommodate these large trucks and provide on-site storage for shipping crates, LRMA will expand the driveway, expand and cover the loading dock, and add secure, climate-controlled space to unpack and store the crates. As a result of these improvements, LRMA will be able to host large exhibitions of works by nationally significant artists.

Q: Why is LRMA including endowment funding in the campaign?

A: Increasing the size of the museum building will increase operating expenses, so we are adding $1.5 million to the museum’s endowment. Each year, LRMA budgets 4% of its endowment for operations, safeguarding the endowment principal and allowing the endowment to grow over the years. Some funds will be earmarked for an endowment supporting the museum’s education outreach program.

Q: Will donors be required to make their contributions in one payment?

A: No. Framing the Future campaign pledges can be paid over a five-year period.

Q: Will campaign donors be recognized?

A: Absolutely. The new gallery space will feature a Donor Wall, which will list gifts at the $25,000 level and above. Other gifts will be recognized in the LRMA Newsletter and website.

Q: Can I make my campaign contribution in honor or memory of a loved one?

A: Yes, and the person you are honoring will be listed on the Donor Wall with a gift of $25,000 or more and in the LRMA newsletter and website with a gift of any amount.

Q: May I get more information about the Framing the Future campaign?

A: Certainly. We would be delighted to discuss the campaign with you and answer any questions you might have. You may contact Executive Director George Bassi or Director of Development Allyn Boone, or Campaign Coordinator Liz Brumley at 601.649.6374 or info@LRMA.org.