In 1903 Sheldon Swope had a vision for Terre Haute.
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In 1942 his vision became a reality.
In 2017 the Swope celebrated 75 years of sharing the best of American art and vibrant programs with the community. In keeping with Sheldon Swope’s vision of an admission-free museum, programs such as Art Start, First Fridays, Second Saturday Studio, programs for children on the autism spectrum, college programs, and guided tours are also offered free of charge. The popular Summer Youth Art Program provides scholarships through the generosity of supporters for children in financial need. This summer, the Swope also added Museum on the Move, an outreach program for youth in underserved areas.
As you know, the arts are a vital part of a thriving community. They not only enrich our lives, but also attract new businesses and residents. We thank you for your crucial support as a member of the Swope Art Museum.
We ask now if you might consider making an additional, 100% tax-deductible contribution to Sheldon’s Legacy, the Museum’s annual fund, as part of your end-of-year giving. Gifts to Sheldon’s Legacy will be matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000 by an anonymous donor.
The Swope’s endowments provide approximately 20% of general operating costs each year.
We depend on the generosity of individuals and businesses to raise the remaining 80%.
Community support makes it possible for the Museum to share our nation’s rich artistic heritage with the public and to undertake major projects for our 116-year-old building. As a free-admission museum, we are especially challenged to raise funds to support our exhibitions and programs while also caring for the collection and the building that houses it. There are many ways to contribute, as you will see on the enclosed reply card, and you can even direct your gift to a specific area of need.
Please help the Swope stimulate creativity and enhance your community by making a tax-deductible gift to Sheldon’s Legacy Annual Fund today. Your generous donation will assure that Sheldon Swope’s gift of a community art museum continues to be available for everyone. Your gift may be doubled or even tripled if you or your spouse work for (or are retired from) a company that will match your contribution.
Thank you for your annual support of the Swope!