To mark the passing of a great philanthropist and patron of the arts (and a Democrat)

[crispini]

You have probably never heard of Mr. Raymond Nasher. However, this is a man who has made such great contributions to the arts here in his adopted hometown of Dallas that I feel I must commemorate him with a brief note. He made his money in real estate development, but all through his life his real love was art and sculpture. He served on many civic boards and contributed to many arts organizations, throughout the US and internationally. He chaired the chaired the National Commission of Urban Development, was executive director of the White House Conference on International Cooperation, and was a U.S. delegate to the General Assembly of the United Nations.

But his greatest legacy was the Nasher Sculpture Center. Throughout his life, he put together one of the world's greatest collections of modern sculpture, and then completely funded a $70 million dollar museum to house it here in Dallas. This museum is absolutely incredible; there are so many significant and powerful works of art there. It is indeed an amazing place to visit.

I honor Mr. Nasher for his incredible contributions he has made to our civic life. Although I never met him, he has made my life richer by far through the Nasher Center and his other good works. The sculptures he has made available to the public give all of us the opportunity to reflect on life and the human condition. In the words of John Masefield, "The days that make us happy make us wise." Mr. Nasher has certainly spread his share of wisdom among us.

Nasher bio: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/031707dnmetnasherappreciate2.1ff4e0f8.html
Nasher Sculpture Center: http://www.nashersculpturecenter.org

Postscript: I am sure that (this is, after all, DU) there will be those of you who feel the need to comment that he should have fed the homeless, etc., with that money. I can't speak to what, if any, contributions he may have made to the homeless in our city, but I do think that art is important, and his immense contribution to our city's civic life is worthy of honoring. There are many, MANY rich people who do far, FAR less. Oh, and he also gave money to Democrats, so.... ;)

[niyad]

1. RIP, good sir, and thank you for contributing such beauty to the world.

[crikkett]

2. ART SAVES LIVES!

[crispini]

4. Yes, indeed it does.

Art brings meaning to my life every day. :)

[Kurovski]

3. K&R.(nt)