The Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA) is honored to recognize a trio of exceptional families who have recently made estate gifts to the Museum. Such gifts, realized through the Museum’s planned giving program, combine enduring legacies with resources that elevate the Museum’s programming and operations.
Russ and Florence Johnston were pillars of the Knoxville community after establishing a home here in 1999. The next 25 years for Russ were filled with many activities, including serving on the boards of Helen Ross McNabb, the UT Haslam Business School, and the Knoxville Museum of Art. One of his most significant and lasting achievements was founding the East Knox Free Medical Clinic, which has long served an essential community need. During his service as a KMA board member, Russ was known as a rigorous steward of the Museum’s financial security, and a steadfast advocate for the well-being of the staff – including championing the introduction of a retirement plan. The remarkable generosity of the Johnston estate will allow us to carry these values forward in a sustained way for many years to come.
Beverley and Katy Gooch were long-time members of the KMA who contributed loyally and consistently to the Museum, without ever expecting the spotlight. Katy was born in Knoxville and in 2001 she and Bev retired here and were active members of the Washington Presbyterian Church. Bev was a life-long supporter of the Metropolitan Opera, and used his piggy bank as a child to send money to “save” the Met so he could listen to it “forever.” Their estate gift reflects the bedrock nature of KMA members who give so that others may benefit – allowing us to be a free and inclusive resource for all.
Julia Driscoll Schriver was born in Knoxville in 1929, and married Robert, her husband of 62 years, in 1951. She was a practicing artist and a founding member of the Art and Antiques Gallery on the World’s Fair site. Her artistic inclinations extended to her community through involvement in the Dogwood Arts Festival, the Town and Country Garden Club, the Sewing Club, and the Knoxville Museum of Art Guild. She and her daughter Suzanne regularly attended the KMA’s Holiday Homes Tour together, which features an array of houses across the city. Julia’s gift will help lift and expand community-driven educational programs that position art as a social catalyst.
These visionary estate gifts allow the Museum to imagine a more ambitious future for the KMA — supporting bold exhibitions, expanding collaborative work with fellow organizations, investing in staff compensation and professional development, and developing educational programs that can be offered free of charge to families.
The Johnston, Gooch and Schriver families have contributed significantly to the future trajectory of the Knoxville Museum of Art, and we are deeply honored to thank and celebrate them.
The KMA welcomes the conversation to all those considering planned giving to the Museum. For more information on how to make an enduring legacy gift to the Museum, please contact KMA Director of Development Richard DeLoof.