The transformational gift of art

Nearly 40 years ago, Sheldon ’63 ’66 (D.D.S.) and Leena Peck marveled at the drawings of 16th- and 17th-century Dutch artists. They loved the spontaneity of the sketches. To them, these works, which depict everyday life and nature, are of an artistic golden age and represent the best of civilization. They became hooked on collecting these drawings. At times, they fought ferociously at auction to win them.

Now, the Pecks’ 134 perfectly preserved European master drawings—treasures remarkably preserved for nearly 400 years that include seven by Rembrandt and valued at $17 million—will reside at the Ackland Art Museum. Their gifted drawings—the museum’s largest gift ever—make the Ackland a mecca for this kind of work. And if that wasn’t enough, an additional $8 million endowment will create a new curator position, provide funding for future acquisitions and ensure that Ackland visitors will enjoy the highest quality visual art for future generations.

Read the complete Carolina Story…

Watch Sheldon Peck’s full remarks at the announcement of their gift here.

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