SAN DIEGO, CA.- The San Diego Museum of Art announced yesterday the receipt of a $1.5 million gift from Conrad Prebys and Debbie Turner. The gift will be used to lay the foundation for exhibitions, education, and programming for the institution’s 2015 Balboa Park Centennial Celebration. With this gift, Prebys and Turner will be named the Presenting Sponsors for the Museum’s 2015 initiative, The San Diego Museum of Art Celebrates 100 Years of Art in Balboa Park.

The Museum and its Board of Trustees are honored that Conrad Prebys and Debbie Turner, noted philanthropists, will be the Presenting Sponsors for this three-year initiative, running from 2014 through 2016.

“We are deeply moved by the tremendous support Conrad and Debbie have demonstrated for the programs we have planned,” said Roxana Velásquez, Maruja Baldwin Executive Director of The San Diego Museum of Art. “The Museum has played a significant role in the history of Balboa Park, and we take our leadership in the Centennial Celebration very seriously. It is particularly meaningful to have individuals with Conrad and Debbie’s dedication and vision to serve as champions of our efforts.”

In 2015, Balboa Park will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Panama-California Exposition which led to the creation of the park. As part of the 2015 Centennial Celebration, The San Diego Museum of Art is pursuing an ambitious and transformative exhibition and education plan to celebrate the history of art in Balboa Park.

“The San Diego Museum of Art has the unique opportunity to celebrate the significant history of art in Balboa Park,” said Prebys. “I am proud to support the Museum’s efforts and applaud Roxana Velásquez and her work to bring meaningful art experiences to the San Diego community.”

Prebys and Turner were previously presenting sponsors of Art Alive 2013, the Museum’s signature annual fundraiser.