LONG BEACH, CA.- The Long Beach Museum of Art has received a $2 million gift, the largest single gift in the Museum’s 65-year-history, from Philanthropists Dr. Ronald and Mrs. Sylvia Hartman. The Hartmans have been long-time supporters of the Museum and Mrs. Hartman currently serves as a Foundation Board Trustee and is also a member of Phoenix, the Museum’s volunteer fundraising group. To honor the Hartmans for their generous gift, the Museum’s gallery pavilion will be named The Hartman Pavilion. The gift from the Hartmans represents the largest single gift to any cultural institution in the city of Long Beach.

Dr. Hartman was the President of the Museum Association beginning in 1969, serving for over 10 years in that capacity, and he continued to serve on the Museum’s Board for an additional 10 years. He worked closely with then Executive Director Jason Wong and was responsible for the acquisition of many valuable works for the Museum’s permanent collection. Mrs. Hartman, who joined the LBMA Foundation Board in 1990 and continues to serve on it to this day, has been instrumental in the Museum’s governance, growth, and success.

“We have been part of the greater Long Beach community for many years and have witnessed the growth of the city’s arts and culture communities with leaders such as the Long Beach Museum of Art,” said Dr. Ronald and Mrs. Sylvia Hartman. “In the eight years that Executive Director Ron Nelson has guided this institution, the Museum has showcased an amazing array of exhibitions and has grown its educational programming to serve everyone who is interested in learning more about contemporary art. We are pleased that our gift will ensure long term financial support for the Museum in the coming years.”

“We are honored and humbled by the generous gift from the Hartman family,” said Executive Director Ron Nelson. “Their commitment to the Museum for the past 40 years has been unparalleled and this gift demonstrates their belief in the future, of not only this Museum, but also the importance of a thriving cultural community in the city of Long Beach. We are thrilled to name our exhibition gallery pavilion in their honor.”

The Museum will be hosting a private reception on Sunday, March 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for the naming ceremony of the exhibition pavilion.