Joseph Cornell ranks among the 20th century’s most celebrated American artists and sculptors, particularly well-known for his surealist work in assemblage, as pictured below in Joseph Cornell’s shadow box, Untitled (Soap Bubble Set, Latitude and Longitude Box). In his later years, Cornell’s achievements included groundbreaking work in the world of experimental collage filmmaking. The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia is home to an important collection of Cornell’s work thanks to the generosity of the Joseph and Robert Memorial Foundation. In addition, U.Va. is the grateful beneficiary of extraordinary financial support from the Foundation, named for the artist and his brother Robert.

Foundation Trustees, Joseph Erdman (College ’56) and Richard Ader, both part-time residents of Charlottesville, have forged partnerships across the globe to ensure the legacy of Cornell’s work continues to inform, educate and delight future generations.

“U.Va. is moving forward and continues to elevate the arts to its rightful place at Mr. Jefferson’s University,” Erdman said. “Who else would have been more pleased to see the growth of the arts at U.Va. than the founder of the University himself?”

Over the course of the just this past year, donations from the Foundation to programs and projects across Grounds exceeds $1.5 million. The University’s ongoing partnership with the Foundation is shining a bright light on arts and culture at U.Va., ensuring students have access to a rich arts experience.

Recent program support includes

• The Fralin Museum of Art at University of Virginia
  
• Heritage Theatre Festival
  
• The Miller Center
  
• President’s Speaker Series for the Arts
  
• The University Singers
  
• Virginia Film Festival
  
• Virginia Foundation for the Humanities