When Myrna Palley, B.A. ’56, and her husband Sheldon, B.B.A ’56, J.D. ’57, purchased their first piece of studio glass in 1975, they began a lifelong commitment to sustaining the creation and appreciation of a then relatively new medium. In fact, at the time, studio glass was not on the radar of art scholarship and professional curating. For the next forty years, however, Myrna and Sheldon brought studio glass into the professional and popular limelight, piece by piece.
The Palley’s gradually amassed a personal collection of over 150 pieces. In 2008, they donated this highly valued collection along with a significant financial gift to establish the Myrna and Sheldon Palley Pavilion for Contemporary Glass and Studio Arts at UM’s Lowe Art Museum. The Museum and UM’s studio arts program would not hold the prestige they do today without this now-famous collection and Myrna and Sheldon’s unwavering support. The Palley Pavilion has placed both the Lowe Museum and UM on the global art map.
In honor of Myrna and Sheldon’s steadfast commitment and the Pavilion’s 10th anniversary, the Lowe has designated 2018 as “The Year of Glass.” Linda Boone, the curator of the Palley’s first Lowe exhibit in 2000, has overseen the Pavilion’s latest extensive refurbishment and has utilized new design elements to incorporate additional pieces of the Palley’s holdings, as well as pieces from other collectors.
Everyone is invited to the grand re-opening of the Pavilion on Tuesday, February 6, 7-9 pm, when the Lowe will also host the inaugural Palley Glass Lecture featuring American studio glass artist Therman Statom. Admission is complimentary, thanks to the generosity of the Palleys.
To attend this celebration of glass and art patronage kindly RSVP by January 30th to n.hill@miami.edu or 305-284-1266. Those who cannot attend the opening may schedule a tour by contacting Meredith Vey @ MVey@miami.edu or 305-284-9712.
