MIAMI BEACH, FLA.- The galleries of Bass Museum of Art are closed for renovation, but support for the 52 year-old cultural icon is stronger than ever. At their annual gala, The Bass Ball, on Saturday, February 20th, Executive Director and Chief Curator Silvia Karman Cubiñá announced that the museum is the recipient three gifts --- Ambassador Paul and Mrs. Trudy Cejas, and Board President George Lindemann each donated $1 million. Additionally, an undisclosed amount was given by an anonymous donor. The funds will support the museum’s exhibitions of contemporary art and education programs, Cubiñá said.

“Trudy and Paul Cejas, George Lindemann, and our anonymous donor, are all exemplary leaders in both the international art world and of this community. Their generosity is a strong endorsement of the Bass and a clear investment in Miami Beach as the center of art and culture in Miami-Dade County. On behalf of the Board, the museum members, the residents of Miami Beach, and the tens of thousands of visitors who come to the Bass Museum every year, we say a big thank you,” said Cubiñá.

“As Miami Beach’s contemporary museum, The Bass plays an integral role in the cultural life of our city. The museum’s exhibitions and educational programming set a standard of excellence that my family and I are proud to support”, commented George Lindemann.

When the museum reopens to the public in November, 2016, the lobby space be named in honor of Paul and Trudy Cejas. The new enclosed courtyard for public programs will be named in honor of George Lindemann and his family.

Ambassador Paul and Trudy Cejas are consistently named by ARTNEWS as among the top collectors of postwar and contemporary art in the world. Paul Cejas served as ambassador to Belgium under President Bill Clinton and Trudy Cejas has been a member of the Bass Museum Board since 2011.

George Lindemann has served as Bass Museum of Art Board President since 2008 during which time, the organization has overseen significant increases in attendance, membership, institutional and corporate partnerships and programming. He is a well-known art collector, investor, and environmental advocate.

Over 300 attended The Bass Ball and its after-party keep The Ball rolling… which as presented by Tod’s and sponsored by Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. The evening featured a world premiere performance by South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga and contemporary art auction. Over $300,000 for museum exhibitions and education programs was raised.