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Mellon Foundation gives $8 million to Westmoreland Museum of Art
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The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg has received an $8 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation for its capital and endowment campaign. The gift is the largest ever for the museum.
The campaign includes plans for a new wing, renovation of the five-decade-old building and a complete redesign of the grounds. Of the $8 million, $2 million will be reserved to shape a challenge to other donors later in the campaign. The fundraising goal of $35 million includes $15 million for construction, $15 million for endowment and $5 million to support museum operations during the life of the campaign.
Planning started in 2009 in response to the growth of the museum's collections, programming,exhibits and attendance. An architectural steering committee headed by Westmoreland Trustee Harry A. Thompson II was organized in 2010 and with the museum staff continues to guide the design process.
The museum is in the design phase with Ennead Architects of New York City and LaQuatra Bonci Landscape Architects of Pittsburgh.
The Westmoreland collection includes works by such notable American artists as Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt and Louis Comfort Tiffany. It is accredited by the American Association of Museums. Details: www.wmuseumaa.org .
First Published January 24, 2012 12:00 am
