SEATTLE, WA.- The Washington Art Consortium, a cooperative of seven Washington State Museums, today announced it has donated more than 200 artworks originally from the Safeco Art Collection to the permanent collections of the Museum of Northwest Art (La Conner) and Museum of Glass (Tacoma).

In 2010, Safeco® Insurance, a member of Liberty Mutual Group, made a historic gift of over 800 works to the Washington Art Consortium from the Safeco Art Collection, the oldest and most renowned corporate collection of exclusively Northwest art. The Consortium spread these artworks to their members across the state, distributing them to each museum’s permanent collection.

After understanding that some of the artworks from this donation did not meet the collecting parameters of its member museums, the Consortium sought out other museums in Washington State. Instead of selling the artworks, the Consortium decided that offering them to other museums in the region would better forward both their and Safeco Art Collection’s respective missions.

"By placing artwork in permanent collections across the state, the Washington Art Consortium is honoring the history and Northwest artists of the original Safeco art collection," said Matt Nickerson, president of Safeco Insurance. "We are thrilled to see a legacy of art investment continue to enrich our local communities."

Along with the gift of art, the Consortium is also donating a monetary gift to offset administrative costs and help provide ongoing care for the collection. Both donations not only ensure the artworks will be preserved into the future, but also continues the Safeco legacy throughout our Northwest communities.

"The Museum is grateful for this important gift which strengthens its holdings in Northwest glass…" said David Francis, Curator at the Museum of Glass. Christopher Shainin, Executive Director at the Museum of Northwest Art, added, "These new additions will highlight the strength and diversity of Northwest art, and deepen MoNA's current collection. We look forward to the public's enjoyment of these works and to the many discussions they will encourage."

The donation includes works of art from artists such as Margaret Camfferman, Everett Dupen, Paul Havas, William Hoppe, LaVerne Erickson Krause, and Richard Royal.

A portion of the donated artwork will be included in the Museum of Northwest Art’s exhibition Reflections -- beginning June 29, 2013.

"As a Washington-based company, Safeco hoped that this gift would stay in our Northwest communities," said Patricia Leach, Consortium Board President. "The Washington Art Consortium is proud to fulfill that wish. We strongly believe in both the Museum of Northwest Art’s and Museum of Glass’ ability to display and steward these artworks for generations to come."