DETROIT, MICH.- The Detroit Institute of Arts is saddened by the loss of one of its most devoted supporters, developer A. Alfred Taubman. Taubman joined the DIA in 1975 and served for many years as chair of the City of Detroit Arts Commission. He has been on the board of directors since 1984, first as director, then since 1992, as an honorary director.

"Alfred (Taubman) was one of the DIA's greatest patrons in its history and supported the museum through major contributions to capital and endowment campaigns," said DIA Director Graham W.J. Beal. "An avid and discerning art collector, he also served as the chairman of the board of directors' Building Committee, overseeing the $170 million renovation and expansion between 2002 and 2007. He will be greatly missed."

An art collector for more than 30 years, Taubman has given a number of works to the DIA's collection, including Paul Klee's Small Landscape with Garden Door, several pieces of ancient Roman glass, and Raymond Duchamp-Villon's Le Cheval Majeur (The Large Horse), which was installed in the sculpture garden at the College for Creative Studies (CCS), a collaboration between CCS and the DIA. He was among the donors who helped the museum acquire Louis François Roubiliac's Bust of Isaac Ware, and the Korean Head of Buddha.

"I will always cherish my wonderful friendship with Alfred Taubman and consider myself very fortunate to have had the benefit of his valued advice and counsel," said Eugene A. Gargaro, Jr. chairman of the DIA Board of Directors. "Our entire DIA family joins me in thanking Alfred for his passion, vision and most generous support of our great museum."