Lowe Receives $1.5 Million Gift from Beaux Arts

The gift will enable the creation of the position of Beaux Arts Director and Chief Curator.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Honoring a 63-year-strong partnership, Beaux Arts – the Lowe Art Museum’s founding support group – has provided a $1.5 million gift to the museum.

This generous donation enabled the endowing and naming of the new Beaux Arts Director and Chief Curator position of the Lowe Art Museum. The endowment will also support innovative programming, community outreach, facility upgrades, and other projects at the Lowe.

“Through events such as their spectacular annual Beaux Arts Festival and so much more, the members of Beaux Arts have been critical supporters of the Lowe’s educational and cultural mission in South Florida,” said Sergio M. Gonzalez, UM’s senior vice president for university advancement and external affairs. “Their efforts have allowed the Lowe to grow and flourish since 1952; we are grateful for all that they have done and continue to do.”

This gift positions the Lowe to realize its vision as a world-class arts education and cultural institution, building on the University’s commitment to taking the museum to the next level of excellence – and the recent appointment of acclaimed art historian Dr. Jill Deupi as its new director.

“For more than 60 years, Beaux Arts has played a critical role in the Lowe Art Museum’s long-term success by helping us to grow our collections, expand our facilities, and enhance our programming,” said Deupi. “This remarkable donation affirms Beaux Arts’ commitment to furthering the educational and outreach mission of the museum.”

Beaux Arts President Becky McCarron said she is proud of the organization’s long tradition of philanthropy and community service at the museum.

“These funds come as a result of hard work from members past and present, and we know the Lowe will benefit greatly from our gift, which will benefit Beaux Arts as well. This is such a wonderful opportunity for the Lowe and Beaux Arts, and we are ecstatic that this endowment will live in perpetuity,” she said.

College of Arts & Sciences Dean Leonidas G. Bachas said: “This generous gift further cements the long, successful partnership between Beaux Arts and the Lowe. The support of Beaux Arts has been critical to the Lowe’s success in being a cultural resource to our students and South Florida for more than 60 years, and we look forward to continuing that relationship under the leadership of Dr. Jill Deupi.”

The development of the Lowe’s highly regarded collection of nearly 19,000 objects may be attributed to the continued generosity of partners such as Beaux Arts. The Lowe Art Museum excels not only as a vibrant center for teaching and research, but also as a foremost cultural institution for Miami’s diverse community and the city’s many visitors from around the world.

“I am looking forward to building an even brighter tomorrow with the help of Beaux Arts and each and every one of their members,” said Deupi.