University Galleries 1998 Donations
Every major museum in the world, from the Louvre in Paris to New Yorks Museum of Modern Art, started with benefactors gifts of invaluable cultural properties. Those who donated artworks to SSU in 1998 and before have set an example for enriching the cultural life of the University, Salisbury and the Delmarva region, said Kenneth Basile, University Galleries director.
This is the start of the development of a major regional museum facility, one based on the vision and foresight of the people who made these donations to the University, Basile said. This is just one more example of the commitment from the community to building a future for showcasing art on the Eastern Shore.
Among the gifts are the polychrome wood wildfowl sculpture Three Green Winged Teal, created by carver Grainger McCoy in 1973, which appraised at $250,000. It is on display on the second floor of the Commons.
The reception area outside President William C. Merwins office houses Bart Walters bronze chimpanzee sculpture, Body Language-Relaxation, donated by the artist. Inside the Presidents Office hangs an oil painting by the late Maryland artist Herman Maril. The painting, Shore Road, is valued at $40,000.
Many of the donated prints and artwork are in gallery storage, awaiting appraisal and inventory before display. Also in storage for inventory is photographic equipment, donated by Arlene Dragon of Easton, MD.
Donors receive a tax break for their donation to the University Galleries, and the Galleries gets a gift that it can either add to the Universitys permanent collection or sell to raise funds to operate the Galleries. Artists benefit from having their work displayed in a visible place. It is a win-win situation for everyone, Basile said.
For information on making a donation to the University Galleries, or on exhibits and programs, call 410-543-6271.