The Art Work of Grandma AnnaLee

Grandma AnnaLee is in her late 70s, living in a Midwestern town.  Like many people, over the years she has acquired some art work.  Paintings to be specific.  Some she purchased, others were inherited from an uncle who was an artist.

Unlike many people, Grandma AnnaLee is comfortable with the fact that one day she will be gone, but her art work will remain.  Wanting to take control of the situation now, when she still has a say, she contacted the big art museum in town.  One she enjoys visiting and thought would be a good home for her paintings when her time comes.  To her surprise the museum said "thank you for thinking of us, but do know that if you leave them to us they will essentially be put in storage...in our basement, we have more than we can display." By now you know that Grandma AnnaLee is a savvy woman, and she took this cue from the museum and tried another approach.  After some thought and research she located a smaller, more regional (county run) museum that did have space to display the paintings.  It is here that her art work will move when her earthly days come to an end.  

The wisdom of Grandma AnnaLee translates to all art collectors.  Whether it is paintings, cookie jar collections, or wood carvings -- before you bequeath your collection, ask if it can be accommodated. Thinking outside the box may mean talking to:

• smaller, more regional art museums;
• considering historical societies; or
• locating a nonprofit willing to auction the item(s) as part of a charity fundraiser.

M. Gustafson Gervasi, 2013 -- Space Shuttle on display at Air and Space Museum, Dulles.  Remember -- museums have limited space, will your collection actual make it to the display area?

Thank you for reading, and do note that a blog is not legal advice but rather a forum for discussion and education.  Please do not rely on this post for legal advice, but rather contact an attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation.