When Jan and Ellen Breyer became Walker members a decade ago, they had no idea how profoundly their lives would change. After successful careers in corporate and nonprofit leadership, they joined the Collectors’ Council to explore their mutual interest in art. Through the people they met, discussions they enjoyed, and work they learned about, they became enamored with contemporary art and began investing in carefully selected pieces by top international artists. As their passion grew into an impressive collection, they felt fortunate to “be in a community of people who are knowledgeable and interested in supporting contemporary artists.” Jan assumed the role of Collectors’ Council co-chair, joined the Walker board, became Vice President, and currently leads the Long-Range Planning Task Force. Ellen continues to serve on a number of nonprofit boards, including Midway Contemporary Art—which she first visited on a field trip with the Collectors’ Council.
The Breyers decided to add the Walker to their estate plans since “after supporting the Annual Fund, the Capital Campaign, and various exhibitions, ensuring that the Walker continues to serve future generations of artists seemed to be the natural thing to do.” They urge others to follow suit with this invitation: “The Walker has put Minneapolis at the forefront of contemporary art. Contributing to its continued success is not only easy and painless, it’s a civic duty.”
LEAVE A LEGACY
The Legacy Circle honors those who have remembered the Walker Art Center in their estate plans. Learn more about the various ways to make a critical difference in the Walker’s future with a planned gift at walkerart.org/legacycircle
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