#United States #Milwaukee #Milwaukee Art Museum #Lubar Family #Drawings and Prints

Milwaukee Art Museum Receives a Transformative Gift

In a remarkable act of generosity, the Lubar family has committed $10 million to the Milwaukee Art Museum. This substantial contribution will enable the establishment of the Lubar Family Center for Drawings and Prints, marking a significant milestone for the esteemed institution. This new center aims to bolster the care, study, and exhibition of one of the museum's most treasured collections composed of artworks on paper spanning over five centuries.

The Lubar family, which includes Sheldon and Marianne Lubar, Joan Lubar, John Crouch, David and Madeleine Lubar, and Susan Lubar, is deeply connected to the Milwaukee Art Museum, having participated in its affairs for decades. This monumental donation will fund several vital positions, such as the Lubar Family Curator of Drawings and Prints, who will oversee specialized activities in the center, as well as a Lubar Family Paper Conservator and a Lubar Family Fellow in Drawings and Prints.

Curator Nikki Otten, Ph.D., who earned her MA and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities, will lead the center. Joining the museum in 2018, Dr. Otten has successfully curated several exhibitions that have brought attention to contemporary and historical works on paper. She emphasized the unique nature of these artworks, stating, "Because works on paper are sensitive to light, they can only be on view for limited periods before returning to storage to rest. Each exhibition offers an opportunity to share different selections and explore new connections across the collection. This gift supports the research and specialized care that make those experiences possible."

Marianne Lubar, a Life Trustee of the museum, expressed her enthusiasm, sharing her belief that such a dedicated space for these artworks is essential. "Most great artists start by making drawings. It’s where you see their ideas take shape before anything else. Our family has spent so many hours with these works over the years, and we believe they deserve to be seen and celebrated."

Dr. Kim Sajet, the museum's director, praised the Lubar family's profound understanding of the value these artworks hold. "A drawing can bring us close to an artist's thinking, while a print reveals how an idea takes shape through extraordinary skill and experimentation. The Lubar family understands the need for expertise in caring for and sharing these works. Their generosity will provide a sturdy foundation for studying this remarkable collection, developing exhibitions, and inviting more people to experience it."

The gift also signifies the vital role of art institutions in cities. Sheldon Lubar commented, "Great cities need great institutions. We’re proud to support the Milwaukee Art Museum as Milwaukee's great institution!" The establishment of the Lubar Family Center aligns perfectly with the museum's mission to connect visitors with dynamic art experiences, education, and community engagement.

The Lubar family's legacy within the museum spans two generations, with Sheldon being a former president of the museum's board and pivotal in fundraising efforts for previous significant projects like the Quadracci Pavilion, designed by Santiago Calatrava. This new center serves to ensure that Milwaukee’s rich artistic heritage continues to grow and engage future generations.

The Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrated not only for its impressive collection, which encompasses over 35,000 works but also for its striking architecture. Featuring buildings designed by luminaries such as Santiago Calatrava and Eero Saarinen, the museum stands as a cultural landmark along Milwaukee's lakefront.

In summary, the Lubar family's generous contribution heralds a new era for the Milwaukee Art Museum, providing essential resources for preserving and exhibiting its extraordinary collection of drawings and prints. This initiative signifies a commitment to ensuring that the museum remains a vital and accessible resource for the community and continues to foster a love for the arts that can be shared with future generations.