Gallery at Sheldon named to recognize Woods family

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will recognize the descendants of the F.H. and Nelle Woods family for their significant contributions to the arts and to Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery by naming a gallery at the Sheldon the "Woods Family Gallery."

UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman and Sheldon director Jan Driesbach announced the decision to name the Woods Family Gallery at a reception honoring the family Dec. 19 at the Sheldon. The naming of the second-level southeastern gallery was acted on by Perlman and University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken, and will be reported to the Board of Regents at its Jan. 19 meeting.

"The Woods family has been active in the Nebraska Art Association, the many art functions of the university, and the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery virtually since the founding of each of these organizations. Their contributions include significant gifts of time and talent as well as the donation of many of the masterpieces in the Sheldon's collection," Perlman said.

The Woods family consists of five generations of supporters and leaders in the arts. Since the 1940s, they and their foundations have given substantial support to the Nebraska Art Association and Sheldon Art Gallery through Woods Charitable Fund, the Thomas C. Woods Fund, the Nelle Cochrane Woods Fund, and individual donations. They have given more than 180 paintings and sculptures, as well as financial support for publications, exhibitions, salaries and other projects for the association and the Sheldon. Their donated pieces include many of the masterpieces in the museum's collection: works by Helen Frankenthaler, Marsden Hartley, Georgia O'Keeffe, Mark Rothko and Wayne Thiebaud, to name a few.

"By naming the gallery in honor of the Woods family, the university expresses its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Woods family for their continued support of the University of Nebraska," Perlman said.

CONTACT: Jan Driesbach, Director, Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, (402) 472-2461