Written by Frances Lee, LASM Director of Communications
CLICK HERE to donate to be entered to win!
Gyotaku artist Leslie Charleville has created and donated a special edition Blue Alligator print to benefit the Louisiana Art & Science Museum’s COVID-19 financial recovery. Those who donate $25 or more to LASM’s online COVID-19 relief efforts during the week of #GivingTuesdayNow, from Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8, will be entered to win this piece, which is valued at $2,000. Donations will be recorded as entries in increments of $25 – $25 results in 1 entry, $100 results in 4 entries, and so on. The winner will be chosen by random number generator at noon on Saturday, May 9.
“I created this piece for LASM because I recently heard a statistic that up to a third of museums in this country may not survive this pandemic,” stated Leslie Charleville. “I want to do my part to ensure that LASM can continue offering quality programs and outreach to the community. Blue has become a symbolic color during COVID-19 – I hope that this Blue Alligator inspires feelings of positivity for the future in the LASM supporter who wins it.”
Like many nonprofit organizations, the LASM is struggling to weather the financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Since temporarily closing in March, the Museum has had to lay off over 2/3 of its staff and is projected to lose over $380,000 in earned revenues by the end of June. LASM has expanded the global day of giving #GivingTuesdayNow, which was designed as an emergency response to the need caused by COVID-19, to five days of giving in order to raise as much money as possible.
“We are so fortunate to have Leslie’s generosity in response to this crisis,” stated Serena Pandos, LASM’s President & Executive Director. “It is my sincerest hope that our community answers LASM’s call for help, and that Leslie’s beautiful gyotaku print inspires folks from all over to donate to the only art and science museum in the region, which includes the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium, the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the state of Louisiana. Donations from those who are able – of any amount – help us offset our significant financial losses, continue producing virtual content at virtual-lasm.org, develop our new hospital outreach program, and enable us to reopen safely when that good day comes.”
Donate online at lasm.org. Since the LASM is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization, all gifts are tax-deductible. As part of the new CARES Act, contributions of up to $300 are eligible for an above-the-line tax deduction, regardless of whether or not the individual itemizes.