The Erie Art Museum received a $150,000 gift from downtown neighbor, Erie Insurance. The gift was announced at a press conference on September 8th in the Museum’s Main Gallery, with Erie Art Museum Board Members and Erie Insurance Executives in attendance. In recognition of the gift, the Museum has renamed the education wing, The Erie Insurance Education Wing.
The gift brings momentum and excitement for the future of the Erie Art Museum. Susan Black-Keim, Interim Director said, “What a wonderful way to begin the next phase of EAM’s creative programing and service to our community. Thank you Erie Insurance for your generosity, your partnership and your support of the EAM’s future success.”
The Erie Art Museum Board of Directors is thrilled that their downtown neighbor is interested in having a future hand in the cultural anchor of our city. Erie Art Museum Board President, Steve Porter said, “Speaking on behalf of the Board and the community we represent, we are grateful for this tangible show of support from Erie Insurance. Even more important however, the Erie Art Museum and Erie Insurance are more than good neighbors, we are partners – working together to make our neighborhood the cornerstone of a diverse, livable and culturally vibrant urban core of Erie.”
Ann Scott, Manager of Community Outreach and Human Resources at Erie Insurance said, “Erie Insurance is proud to support the ongoing efforts of the Erie Art Museum as they continue to expand their presence in the historic Bonnell Block. We recognize and applaud the Museum’s work in advancing the visual arts through education, performance, and high quality art in all its forms. The Erie Art Museum is a treasure enjoyed by our employees and their families, our neighborhood, and everyone in the community throughout Erie County, Pennsylvania, and the country. We’re pleased to be able to help them continue to be a sustainable asset into the future.”
Erie Insurance has been a longtime supporter of the Erie Art Museum. Over the years, Erie Insurance has supported several Museum initiatives including; The Picture a Place Campaign, the EITC program (Comprehensive School Tour Program), Blues & Jazz Festival, Mid Day Art Break, Second Sundays, ARTrageous, and the Bike Rack program.