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April 15, 2024 (Cotuit, Massachusetts) The Cahoon Museum of American Art is excited to announce that it has received a major gift of $800,000 from Lee McGraw and Van Lupo to support its expansion. This transformational gift supports the growth of the Cahoon Museum as a vital educational and cultural resource in the Cape Cod community. The $800,000 donation will be used to pay off the Cahoon Museum’s mortgage on its newly acquired property at 4698 Falmouth Road and to support planning efforts, including the completion of a long-term museum master plan, in preparation for a major renovation and enhancement of its properties. The master plan will outline the most effective way to develop the museum’s collections, programs, and operations and reimagine spaces for exhibitions, education, new public amenities, upgraded systems and infrastructure, and increased accessibility. About the Donors Lee McGraw and Van Lupo have been longtime supporters of the arts. They have been involved in philanthropic projects with organizations including Field Arts & Events Hall, a waterfront performing arts center in Port Angeles, Washington. “This donation is a way for us to give back” according to Lee McGraw, “The Cahoon Museum is a special Cape Cod jewel. It holds our cultural history as Cape Cod is rapidly changing. Its historic buildings have lasted for generations, and we are moved by the Cahoon Museum’s vision to preserve American art, serve as an inspiring oasis for students and visitors, and support local artists as an innovative creative partner for generations to come.” Van Lupo added, “It is important to plan well so that the museum can do it right and build it to last.” “We would like to acknowledge Lee McGraw and Van Lupo for their tremendous generosity and leadership gift which will inspire others to support the Cahoon as we move through this exciting period of planning,” says Cahoon Museum Board President, Jessica Rapp Grassetti. “In addition, I would like to extend a special thank you to our Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers. Their generous commitment of time and expertise is matched only by their advocacy of our unique organization.” Planning for Expansion In 2022, the Cahoon Museum purchased the adjacent 1.9-acre property at 4698 Falmouth Road, with an original Crocker home, outbuildings, and landscaped gardens as part of a goal to expand the museum’s ability to create more meaningful and engaging art experiences for visitors. “Lee and Van have given us a transformational gift,” says Dr. Sarah Johnson, executive director and CEO of the museum. “With our mortgage retired, we have no debt going into our pre-design process, and the opportunity to work with such a skilled partner as Museum Insights sets us up in a practical way to get the details right for future enhancements. We want to be an arts destination for everyone in the community and wider region. I cannot thank Lee and Van enough! We are incredibly grateful for this important gift.” Museum Insights assists museums in planning for transformational change and has guided the growth and development of more than 50 museums across the US including the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, the National Coast Guard Museum in New London, Connecticut, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. At the Cahoon Museum of American Art, the master planning process will lay the groundwork for decisions about the newly purchased house and land, changes to the site and buildings, and growth of the Cahoon’s already successful exhibits and programs that celebrate art, creativity, and culture. About the Cahoon Museum The Cahoon Museum of American Art is a center of culture on Cape Cod with a mission of promoting art education and appreciation. The museum’s art collection includes a variety of artistic media and styles, reflecting our region’s history. The museum preserves two historically significant homes, built by the Crocker family in 1739 and 1782, with unique architectural features that contribute to the beauty and charm of the upper Cape’s villages. Through a dynamic schedule of changing exhibitions, the Cahoon Museum presents art from around New England including that of 20th century folk artists Ralph and Martha Cahoon and contemporary local artists. The Streetside public art series allows artists to create new, innovative, and accessible art that expands the museum experience outdoors. The museum offers family-friendly programs, drop-in activities, art classes and workshops, guided tours, gallery talks, lectures, and artist demos and, through community outreach, brings educational programs to the community through programs with libraries, schools, and other collaborative partners.