The Ball State University Museum of Art's growth from its beginning in 1935 to its current status as a regionally preeminent center for the visual arts began with a gift. The Ball brothers provided a private gift to fund the construction of the museum as part of the Fine Arts Building in 1935. That created a tradition of private support and philanthropy that remains crucial to the growth and maintenance of the museum today.

Friends and alumni are invited to participate in this great tradition by annually becoming members of the Ball State University Museum of Art Benefactors Society. Membership in the society is achieved by making an annual gift of $1,000 or more to the museum.

Membership can be held by an individual, jointly by a husband and wife, by a foundation, or by a corporation. Corporate matching gifts may be applied toward membership qualifications. Matching gift forms generally are available from an employer's personnel or public relations office.

For more information about the Ball State University Museum of Art Benefactors Society, contact Ball State's Office of University Development at (765) 285-8261.