Join The Fountain Elms Society

Join The Fountain Elms Society

The Proctors

While on the porch of Fountain Elms more than 75 years ago, Frederick, Thomas, and Maria Proctor agreed that arts and culture are the foundation of a great community. In order to lay that foundation, they established a financial plan that, upon Maria’s death in 1935, provided the initial funding for Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute.

Now, as we approach the 75th anniversary of our founding, the Institute has established The Fountain Elms Society to seek out, engage and recognize those families and individuals who share the Proctors’ passion for arts and culture in our community.

Our art collections, the performances we bring to the Mohawk Valley, the exceptional educational programs we provide to students of all ages, enhance the Proctors’ vision for this community.

Charter membership in The Fountain Elms Society is open to all who choose to provide support to the Institute of $1,000 or more each year. In addition to enhancing the financial stability of MWPAI and providing important support to our ongoing programs, members of the Society enjoy special access and privileges.

As a member of MWPAI, you recognize the important role that the Institute plays in the quality of life for all residents of our region. To explore how your generosity can add to this amazing legacy, please contact Joe Silberlicht in our development office. He can be reached at 315-797-0000, ext. 2297 or by Email.

New Payment Options Make it Easy to Join the Fountain Elms Society

MWPAI President Anthony J. Spiridigloizzi has announced that membership in the Fountain Elms Society is now available to anyone making a monthly pledge to the Institute of $85 or more, payable on any major credit card.

The Fountain Elms Society recognizes and rewards the Institute’s most generous donors whose financial support is crucial to the future of MWPAI.

This monthly pledge option makes membership accessible to those who are passionate about their support of art and culture in the community, but are more comfortable making modest, monthly gifts rather than a single large payment. “The Society is a gathering of wonderful friends of the Institute who enjoy our programs and the social events that celebrate their commitment,” Spiridigloizzi said. “I want to make sure that all who want to take advantage of the membership benefits are able to do so.”

Each member of the Society contributes at least $1,000 annually in support of the Institute’s programs. Membership benefits include reciprocal privileges at many museums throughout North America, discounts to most Institute programs, unlimited free admission to special ticketed exhibitions, and invitations to at least four events solely for Fountain Elms Society members each year.

During 2012, those events will include an escorted coach trip to a significant arts performance in central New York, an exclusive preview of our major summer exhibition, Shadow of the Sphinx, and our traditional Victorian Holiday celebration. Members are also invited to a curator-guided “behind the scenes” tour of one of our museum buildings and art storage facility for a group of up to ten family members, friends, and colleagues.

To learn more about the Fountain Elms Society, or to enroll either directly or through the monthly payment plan, contact Director of Development Joe Silberlicht at 797-0000, extension 2297 or email.

Fountain Elms Society Honored at Reception

On Thursday evening, February 4, MWPAI President Dr. Daniel O’Leary welcomed charter members of The Fountain Elms Society and other guests to a sneak preview of the 62nd Exhibition of Central New York Artists. In his remarks, President O’Leary thanked all in attendance for their generosity to the Institute. He noted that voluntary support, in the tradition of our founding families, is more important than ever to the future of Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute.

Specifically, Dr. O’Leary acknowledged our most generous donors—the 28 members of The Fountain Elms Society, which recognizes donors who gave $1,000 or more to MWPAI during 2009. In addition, he challenged the Society to reach a goal of 50 members by fall of 2010, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Phillip Johnson-designed Museum of Art building and established a further goal of attaining 75 members by 2011 marking the Institute’s 75th jubilee celebration.

 Museum of Art Director and Chief Curator Paul Schweizer, Dr. Douglas Hurd,
Dr. Cynthia Parlato-Hurd, President Daniel O’Leary, Kathy Bouchard