Thanksgiving greeting from Mark Bessire

A message from Mark Bessire, JUDY AND LEONARD LAUDER DIRECTOR

Dear Members,

As we begin a holiday season unlike any other we’ve experienced, I am reminded of the gratitude I have for you, your unparalleled support of the arts, and your value to our community. 

Thank you for your support. Your membership and generosity are the lifeblood of the museum, and despite the fact that you may have been unable to visit—and still may not visit for some time yet—you have continued to demonstrate that supporting the arts is vital to our economic and cultural strength. 

Thank you for your partnership. It is because of you that we were able to be one of the first museums in the country to safely reopen in June. The commitment you have shown to your fellow visitors, and our staff—adhering to health and safety guidelines during a  difficult time—is something I am immensely grateful for. It has meant that we can protect jobs, serve our community, and keep our doors open at a time of vast uncertainty.

Thank you for your trust and patience.We are all navigating uncharted waters, and museums particularly find themselves in a moment of reflection and transformative change. Your belief in this museum is creating the space needed to address inequities, confront systemic racism, and truly embody our Art for All mission. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with your support we know we can get there.

This is an unbelievably hard period for us all, and yet I am buoyed by the kindness, empathy, and care that is being shown throughout our community and at the museum. We can continue to pull together through this moment and bring out the best in each other. We stand with you.

In gratitude,  

Mark H. C. Bessire
Judy and Leonard Lauder Director

---