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| Council chairpersons attend the annual meeting of the 2006–07 Council Activities Committee. Attending, from left to right, are: Geri Sherman, Carol Goldberg, Tomi Kuwayama, Jane Glassman, Steve Reinstein, Dr. Richard Baum, Marcella Ruble, Helene Cooper, Dave Barry, Carol Epstein, Earlene Seymour, Nicole Sokolow, Cathy Leonhard, Gloria Garfinkel, and Victoria Blyth-Hill. |
Volunteers Make Remarkable Impact
Volunteers understand that, in addition to their much-appreciated financial support, their service to LACMA is a unique form of philanthropy. It is a gift of unrestricted time and expertise to the museum.
Dedicated service provided by LACMA's twelve councils combines to raise critical funds for art acquisition and provide indispensable operating support.
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Volunteers with the Museum Service Council welcome visitors to the museum. Left to right: Nancy Stein, Anita Schaeffer, and Myrna Eiduson.
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Ten councils are primarily fundraising and activities organizations, while two are more service-oriented: the Museum Service Council, which provides volunteers to supplement, complement and support museum staff, and the Docent Council, made up of volunteers trained to provide tours of LACMA's collection and exhibitions. Once you are a LACMA member, you become eligible to apply for council membership and deepen your involvement with the museum.
The councils arose from the early philanthropic efforts of those who wished to support the museum in direct and indirect ways—some offered financial support, while others volunteered their time in actually helping to physically relocate the museum’s collections. Overall council participation at LACMA has grown to nearly 3,000 members, who annually raise about $2.5 million and volunteer close to 100,000 hours of service—providing the equivalent of $2 million in employee salaries and benefits.
Council activities advance the profile of LACMA within our regional community. Perhaps most enjoyably, the councils also provide an additional means for members to bond over their artistic passions, through group tours, lectures, receptions, and even trips to locations around the world. There is a council-related event practically every day.
Councils are integral to the LACMA experience. The museum is grateful for the support and self-starting initiative of their members, and hopes that more people make the councils a part of their lives.
Ambrosius Bosschaert (1573-1621), Bouquet of Flowers on a Ledge (detail), 1619–20, Holland, oil on copper, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Carter, Department of European Painting and Sculpture, M.2003.108.7.
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