Planned Giving

Planned gifts represent your life’s work and reflect your values. A planned gift communicates your legacy; it tells a story of what you hold most important in your life and community. Planned giving makes it possible for you to make a generous contribution while preserving or even enhancing your lifestyle.

The 1937 Circle recognizes those who have chosen to support the Boise Art Museum through their wills, estate plans, life income arrangements, and major planned gifts. Contributions received as a result of charitable planning help build for the future by supporting the programs and activities of the Museum in perpetuity.

Participation in the 1937 Circle is open to individuals and businesses that provide one or more of the following:

  • Cumulative lifetime giving of $1 million or more in cash or gift value, including property;
  • The establishment of a named endowment fund (minimum of $250,000);
  • Inclusion of the Museum in personal estate plans; or
  • Completing a life income arrangement in which the Boise Art Museum is named as a beneficiary

Meet BAM's 1937 Circle Donors

Jan Freeman Long and Jeffrey Long

Jan Freeman Long and Jeffrey Long are new both to Boise and the BAM member community.  In 2018, after spending two years researching various cities across the US, the Longs settled on Boise as their next home.  With a variety of outdoor activities, a tight-knit and creative community, and a host of exceptional museums, Boise was an instant draw to the couple.  Jan has been a passionate painter for more than 20 years.  Her love for visual art inspired Jeff, and the two have a long history of involvement with arts organizations including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Berkley Arts Center, the Petaluma Arts Council, and the Crocker Art Museum.

During one of their first visits to Boise, the Longs were immediately impressed by the Boise Art Museum.  They had high hopes for a vibrant visual arts scene in Boise, and BAM was the perfect fit.  “We fell in love with the Treasure Valley, and one of the first places we had to see was the Boise Art Museum.  We knew right away we wanted be a part of the Museum, and we became members before we even moved to Boise.”  Jan says, “BAM’s exhibitions are well done, highly accessible, and speak to different generations.  A good art museum is like an invitation to experience what inspires us and feeds us at the creative level.  As a result, we see through different perspectives and we grow from that.”  The two appreciate the exhibitions BAM presents from local, regional, national, and international artists.  Jeff notes, “One of the most important things an art museum can do is to reach out to artists locally and outside of the area.  BAM succeeds at bringing in many voices to our community.”  One of the first events the Longs attended at BAM was the exhibition opening for Boise artist Charles Gill, Jan’s former professor at the California College of Arts and Crafts.  Gill’s exhibition, Observatory, remains one of their favorite exhibitions, in addition to The 2017 Idaho Triennial and Modern and Contemporary Ceramics.

Jan and Jeffrey and thrilled to be the newest additions to BAM’s 1937 Circle.  Their decision to include BAM in their estate plans was, what they describe as, a “natural choice” as dedicated supporters of the arts.  While membership is a way to support the Museum now, the Longs want their planned gift to have an even bigger impact for BAM.  They believe in supporting and sustaining the Museum for the present and the future.  “We want to do whatever we can to further the well-being of the visual arts and culture.  It’s important to keep things going in your community beyond your own time.”

Lee and Nancy Bondurant

Lee and Nancy Bondurant have been supporters of the Boise Art Museum since the 1970s when they became involved with the Museum early on. After initially becoming BAM members, Lee joined the Board of Trustees in 1987 and Nancy joined the Beaux Arts Société and later the Docent program. Both developed a special interest in BAM that led to involvement such as fundraising and volunteering for the Museum for years to come. Lee fondly remembers his time as a Trustee, “It was during a time of major expansion. There was tremendous community support and enthusiasm for the arts and for BAM. We were able to tap into that excitement and, through fundraising, build a foundation of long-term support and stability for the Museum.”

Lee and Nancy are continuously heartened by the community’s support for BAM and hope that their legacy gift will inspire others to consider planned giving to the Museum. “We [BAM] would never be where we are without our supporters,” said Nancy. Making a legacy gift provides security and gives opportunities to BAM and the community that may not normally be possible. Lee and Nancy are enthusiastic about the ways gifts to BAM’s Endowment Fund, and other support, make visible impacts to the Museum’s programs. “You’ll see your contributions come to life every time you visit BAM. We remember a time when the Sculpture Court and Education Studios weren’t there. The last expansion of the Museum improved BAM’s ability to reach out into the community and has provided more options for programs and events, like the Free School Tour Program, ArtReach, collaboration with the Osher Institute, and artist lectures.”

The couple feels that BAM is central to Boise’s creative community, functioning as an ambassador to visual art for many people in the area and further. Nancy says, “Art nurtures your soul and expands your horizons. Viewing other human beings’ creations can truly change your perspective.”

Bill and Gini Woolley

Bill and Gini WoolleyBill and Gini Woolley became involved with BAM during the early stages of Collectors Forum, a membership group of art appreciators who are dedicated to the growth of BAM’s Permanent Collection.  This important group creates a lasting legacy by donating funds toward the acquisition of works of art that add depth and value to the Museum’s Permanent Collection, which will benefit future generations of Idahoans.

“We were invited to join Collectors Forum as founding members,” Bill explained, “but we joined the following year, in 1993, and have enjoyed being members ever since.”

The Woolleys’ visits to the Boise Art Museum have been enhanced by their participation in this membership group.  “We’ve had opportunities to travel and see a wide range of art.  We’ve enjoyed receiving great art education through our participation with Collectors Forum.”

Bill and Gini would like to see the Boise Art Museum continue to grow and thrive.  They recognize that planned gifts can offer the necessary support for sustained growth. “Any museum needs finances to continue and we are happy to make a contribution to help sustain the Boise Art Museum.  Art is a critical part in making a community vibrant and BAM is a contributing factor in making Boise a fantastic place to live.”

Bill believes the impact of making a planned gift to the Boise Art Museum will stretch beyond the walls of this institution to benefit the entire community.  “Planned giving is an easy way to contribute and the arts are a worthy investment.  Anything you can do to help improve the art community in turn helps the community as a whole.  Prospective businesses always consider opportunities in a city that offers great education and has a thriving arts community.  Making a contribution to BAM is one way to ensure the city of Boise will continue grow and thrive into the future.”

Mary Lou Orndorff

Mary Lou OrndorffMary Lou’s gift was realized in 2019, so her contributions to the Museum will live on for future generations.

Here is our interview with her in 2013:

Mary Lou is an accomplished watercolorist who has been involved with the Museum in numerous capacities over the years.  She began volunteering at BAM as an Art Ambassador and later became a Docent in 1998. She found great pleasure in leading groups of elementary students through the exhibitions.  “Their questions were great and they really enjoyed the time spent away from the classroom. The school children were still very expressive and curious.”

Beyond her own enjoyment in leading tours, Mary Lou noticed another result of the BAM school tours. “I really like what the docent program does for the community, especially the school children. The tour program offers exposure to the arts that students may not receive otherwise.  For some students, the school tour at BAM might be their first time visiting a museum. The tour is a fun way to learn and they’re not graded on the projects they complete so it offers an alternative learning environment.  I always enjoyed being a part of that.” Mary Lou hopes that her legacy gift will help the Museum’s educational programs continue to flourish, giving more Idaho students access to the arts.

When asked what she would say to others who might be considering a planned gift to the Museum Mary Lou offered, “I truly have my heart invested in the Museum.  It is rewarding to know that you are giving something to young people.  I hope to provide school children with an opportunity that they might not have otherwise.”

Besse LaBudde

Besse LaBuddeBesse’s gift was realized in 2014, so her contributions to the Museum will live on for future generations.

Here is our interview with Besse in 2013:

Besse began volunteering at BAM as an Art Ambassador in 1999. She spent her time greeting visitors to the Museum and informing them of the current exhibitions.  In 2002 she took on a new challenge and became a BAM Docent, leading tours through the Museum exhibitions.  Her involvement with the Docent Program allowed Besse the opportunity to be both a student and a teacher. “I come to the museum to learn. I love to learn about the art.” She shared her knowledge of each exhibition with visitors and student groups.

Even with regular visits to the Museum, Besse said that there is always something new to see or a new way of seeing.  She savored the less tangible impact that art has on the viewer. “When I visit BAM I can enjoy beauty in front of me, on either side, and above my head.  Beauty inspires awe. It is what makes one take a moment to pause, observe and contemplate.”  These reflective moments are what Besse enjoyed most about visiting the Boise Art Museum.

Through her legacy gift, Besse supported the core strength of BAM’s Permanent Collection so that others can enjoy and appreciate the Boise Art Museum as she has.  She believed that making a planned gift to BAM is an important investment in the future of the Boise community.  Besse’s legacy gift was realized in 2015, allowing the Museum to acquire “Hog in da Pen” by Loretta Pettway and “Strip Quilt” by Mary Lee Bendolph, both of which are Gee’s Bend Quilts.  These artworks will serve as a symbol of Besse’s volunteerism and generosity to the Boise Art Museum for generations to come and will provide us with powerful visual vehicles to talk about important social issues.

Kay Hardy and Gregory Kaslo

Kay Hardy and Gregory KasloEarly childhood experiences at the Boise Art Museum along with encouragement from her parents provided the foundation for Kay Hardy’s commitment to the arts.  “Art and the making of it excited me as a child,” she shared. “I love returning to my own childhood by engaging with families on Toddler Wednesdays.  Getting down on the floor with the kids to explore the world of art and creating with my young art buddies is particularly enjoyable.”

Gregory Kaslo lived much of his life in New Mexico where the artistic heritage is rich and vibrant.  When the couple moved to Boise from Santa Fe, Kay served on numerous committees, including the Art Acquisitions committee of Collectors Forum and the museum’s Collection committee.  She also served as a Trustee and was a member of the Executive Committee.

Through a generous gift and bequest of 75 modern and contemporary ceramics for BAM’s 75th Anniversary, Kay and Gregory wish to expand BAM’s collection into more contemporary ceramics and complete BAM’s existing modern collection.  “I wished to continue the legacy of John Takehara with whom I studied ceramics in the Art Department at Boise State University,” Kay said. “I loved working with the expressive medium of clay and enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for ceramics with BAM’s audience.”

When asked what she would say to others who might be considering a planned gift to the Museum, Kay responded, “As collecting institutions, Museums enlarge their collections primarily through gifts. Objects tell a story about our individual and collective histories which are intertwined throughout time.  Gifts of art to an institution such as BAM provide opportunities for access to this creative history.  A planned gift is a commitment to the community by assisting the Museum in its mission.”

Terry and Julia Bowman

Terry and Julia BowmanTerry Bowman’s interest in art began through his own practice as a painter.  He and Julia began collecting ceramics by John Takehara in 1982 and eventually sponsored John’s Ceramic Tour of the Northwest.  In 2007, the Bowmans moved back to Boise and became members of the Boise Art Museum. They became more involved with BAM through the More Than a Pretty Face program, commissioning works by local artists Divit Cordoza, Francis Fox, and Christine Raymond.

When asked what he most enjoys about the Boise Art Museum, Terry quickly replied, “Seeing the artwork!”  The Bowmans are also fond of attending special events and programs at BAM.  “We really enjoy programs such as More Than a Pretty Face and First Thursday Art Talks because they present opportunities to actually meet the artists and learn about their process.”

In a generous bequest that will enhance the overall quality of BAM’s Permanent Collection, Terry and Julia Bowman will donate 12 works of art matching BAM’s Collecting Mission, including artworks by Idaho ceramist John Takehara. “We wish to help broaden BAM’s Permanent Collection in order to benefit the community,” Terry said.  “BAM is a significant part of Boise that makes it a premiere place to live.  Contributions and legacy gifts ensure BAM’s role in the community.”

Tom and Marilyn Beck

Tom and Marilyn Beck Tom and Marilyn Beck have been supporters of the Boise Art Museum since 1975 when Marilyn joined the Beaux Arts Société, an organization of women who were fundraising for the Museum. “I had been a teacher before and had an interest in visual arts and the cultural community in Boise,” Marilyn said. As a newcomer to Boise, the group provided Marilyn with opportunities to meet people and be involved in the cultural community.

Marilyn also became involved in BAM’s Docent Program during its initial stages, recruiting several members from the Beaux Arts Société. “I assisted with the rudimentary planning and envisioning of the Docent Program and then became a docent myself,” she explained.

The dedication that the Beck’s have shown the Museum through their donated time, knowledge, and financial support is the result of a firm conviction. “BAM is central to this community and I have believed in the mission and value of this institution from the time that I moved here,” Marilyn shared. The Becks’ devotion to Boise’s cultural community led them to consider planned giving. “Legacy gifts allow the museum to stay viable into the future. They are very important to cultivate because they are a vehicle for community support and they ensure that institutions will continue to grow.”

When considering the future of the Boise Art Museum, Marilyn says that education remains her highest priority. “The educational programs at BAM have become better and better and I’d like to see that continue. I believe young people should always have access to artistic opportunities.”

Marti and Bill Agler

Marti and Bill AglerMarti Agler first brought students to the Boise Art Museum when she was teaching in Mountain Home. When she moved to Boise and taught in the Gifted Program in 1991, she began escorting student groups to the Museum on a regular basis. It was around that time that she helped develop a Junior Docent program with BAM’s Education department and a BAM Docent, to provide students with the opportunity to complete docent training and put their knowledge of the exhibitions to use on First Thursdays. After Marti retired in 2005 she became a Docent at the Boise Art Museum.

“Learning is big for me, as well as developing an appreciation for art,” Marti said. In particular,
she has learned to slow down her own
evaluation process when viewing artwork. “I used to make quick judgments about art, however, being involved with the Museum has really helped make me stop, look, and think about the artwork. In taking my time, I discover a renewed appreciation of the techniques used and the message the artist is trying to communicate.”

Bill Agler is quick to remark that “making my wife happy” is a great benefit of their involvement with BAM. Marti enjoys her time spent at the Museum and believes that it is important to guarantee that these offerings will continue in the future. She and Bill will make a contribution to BAM with the intention of perpetuating a higher quality of life for community members.

“It is important to see the big picture in the community,” Marti said. “Boise will grow and flourish if we can offer businesses and citizens opportunities to have cultural experiences, job opportunities, and recreation. So, let’s make a viable, lasting community.” Marti suggests this advice to those considering making a planned gift. “Pick your poison. Choose what is important to you, and help to make it better. My passion is the visual arts!”

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