JSCM Announces Unique Opportunity to Patrons

AUBURN, Ala.- The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art announces the 1072 Society, a unique opportunity for patrons to shape the future of the museum’s permanent collection. Members of the 1072 Society will contribute $1,072, the amount originally paid for the 36 original works in the Advancing American Art collection. The society exists to facilitate the growth of the permanent collections and to build upon the commitment museum founders made more than 60 years ago.

An annual gift of $1072 will make it possible to purchase some of these works and will give the 1072 Society member a vote as to which art work they would like to see join the collection, thus participating in the decision-making process and the museum’s growth. Any work of art that is added to the museum's collection must be approved by the director and acquisitions committee.

Annually, professional staff of the museum will bring in a range of fine art they feel will add a new and important dimension to the growing collection. This year’s inaugural selection will be exhibited in the Wadsworth Gallery January 10 through February 21, 2009.

This year’s works include everything from paintings and sketches to etchings and sculptures. Across from the striking acrylic of a whale called E incontrollable Será by José Bedia, viewers can see The Ant Farm by John Buck, an acrylic and wood three-dimensional piece.

The more 1072 Society members there are, the greater the number of meaningful acquisitions that can be made. “Your membership in the 1072 Society helps us to continue to build, one wonderful work of art at a time, a collection that will inspire and engage our entire community long into the future,” said Marilyn Laufer, Director of the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.

The pieces that are selected this year will bear the credit line: Purchased with funds made possible by the generosity of members of the 1072 Society of 2009. JSCM will acknowledge membership each year in the 1072 Society in the summer newsletter as well as on a wall in the museum. “This is a wonderful opportunity for patrons to directly impact our future,” Laufer said.

To become a member of the 1072 Society or for more information contact Cindy Cox at 334.844.3005 or coxcynh@auburn.edu.