This fall we're thrilled to introduce three Museum Council members to you:

Russell LaMontagne

Russell LaMontagne has had a passion for the arts ever since he was young and used to go to the MFA with his mom on the weekends. Today, Russell is the owner and founder of LaMontagne Gallery; however before deciding in 2007 to locate his art business in South Boston, Russell was one of the partners of the legendary New York City LFL gallery that “discovered” many new talented artists who are now recognized nationally and internationally. Russell continues that work of showing new talented artists with his ambitious exhibition program at his 555 East Second Street location. The painting shown above, When Will It End, was recently acquired by the MFA and is by Joe Wardwell, an artist represented by LaMontagne Gallery.

Amy Gallant Sullivan

Amy is a true Renaissance person. While she is Executive Director and Co-Founder for the international nonprofit TFOS, she is also a patron and promoter of the arts. Of Amy’s many accomplishments within the arts, her volunteer efforts with the Vatican Museums in Rome, Italy are among her greatest. In co-founding the International Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, she's helping to build global awareness for the collections, particularly showcasing their exhibits for the visually impaired. The Vatican Museums has a new multi-sensory experience so that the visually impaired can ‘see’ art. Her next project for the Museums will be for the hearing impaired. Amy speaks multiple languages including English, French, Italian, Spanish and has a basic understanding of Portuguese. Based between Boston and Paris, she has also lived in Italy, Argentina and Spain as well as traveled extensively throughout the world. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Boston University in Mass Communication and Public Relations.

Lynn Shevory

While we all know that the MFA’s collection is an extraordinary resource that grows and evolves over time, what some of us might forget is that part of what makes the MFA’s collection so varied and strong are the donors who give works of art from their private collections to the Museum. Lynn is part of the three person team who manages those donations.

So, what is an average day like in the Gifts of Art program at a large museum with a constantly-growing collection of artwork from around the world? Sometimes Lynn and her colleagues are visiting private collections near and far, often they are discussing estate plans and gift agreements with potential donors, other days they are coordinating shipments and installations with curators, conservators, registrars, and exhibitions staff. Each day is different and involves not just working with art donors but also a wide range of Museum personnel throughout the building, as every aspect of the MFA’s encyclopedic collection can be positively impacted by art donations—from Musical Instruments and American Art to African and Contemporary.

The MFA has over 180 different acquisition funds that are used to acquire works of arts focused on different areas from the collection. Of special importance to Lynn is The Heritage Fund for a Diverse Collection which supports the acquisition of works by underrepresented American artists of color, broadly defined, and other art that broadens the visitor experience by providing a more complete record of America’s diverse people. Lynn is pictured here with one of her personal favorite works of art purchased by the MFA through the Heritage Fund. If you would like to learn more or support the Heritage Fund for a Diverse Collection through direct contributions, please navigate to the Heritage Remixed Friends group or to learn more about the MFA Gifts of Art program.

When you see them at the next Museum Council event be sure to say hello!

And, if you know of other Museum Council members who might like to be featured just let us know by dropping us a line at: [email protected]