With the Weisman's upcoming expansion, its gallery spaces for collections will grow, allowing room to present many more pieces for patrons to enjoy. While many museums operate with a significant budget for acquiring works, the Weisman's collection was built largely through gifts of art. Through the generosity of collectors like Babe Davis, the Weisman is able to acquire and display works by Rauschenberg, O’Keeffe, Hartley, and many other notable artists. To salute and share bits and pieces about Davis and other collectors who have given generously to the Weisman, we introduce the Collectors Series—periodic short profiles that will appear in this blog.

Babe Davis has donated a portfolio of art and volunteer time to the museum. Her relationship with the University of Minnesota’s art collection began years ago as a student. One of her first experiences with art was as a participant in the University’s art rental program. Later, as a frustrated artist, she loved wandering through smaller galleries in New York when traveling with her husband. Davis comments, "I bought what I could afford. I loved impressionists but couldn't afford them, but I bought what I loved. Who knew they would be worth anything?�

For over 20 years Davis has again been an active member of the University art community and a key contributor of time and works of art to the Weisman. She is one of the founding members of the museum's Colleagues Advisory Board and helped establish a system for reviewing and determining the value of the permanent collection.

Her most recent donation to the collection was PP II by Robert Rauschenberg (pictured above). In total she has donated and lent more than 70 pieces of art to the Weisman, including the work of such notable artists as Louise Nevelson, Jean Dubuffet, and Chuck Close. Davis notes, "It's a pleasure to give. I like to. It's just a pleasure. Certain things belong in a museum for others— for the kids—to enjoy."

Weisman director Lyndel King agrees with Davis and believes “with collectors like Babe contributing to the museum, it empowers students and the rest of the community to have deeper relationships with art, by providing extended experiences with each piece on display.�

Learn more online about how to get involved at the Weisman and look for upcoming entries in WAM’s Collectors Series.