Eric Schellenberger wants to help VMFA inspire future generations.
Eric Schellenberger's interest in art was sparked at an early age: When he was 14 years old, his father brought him to New York City for the 1964 World's Fair, where he saw Michelangelo's great Pieta. The sculpture, which was lit with a spotlight and dark blue votive lights arranged in vertical strings around it, left Eric breathless and ignited in him a deep, enduring interest in fine art. Several years later, in the mid 1980s, Eric moved to Richmond and was introduced to the VMFA through the Jumpin' in July Concert Series.
"What this museum has become over a 30-year perspective is substantially different," he says. "This museum belongs in a bigger city, and so, to find it here, open and available to everyone, is surprising and incredible. No matter what form the arts take, we as a species are the only ones who create; it is what makes us human."
Eric has included us in his estate plan as a beneficiary. "This museum has enriched my life so much," he says. "I see this gift as a way to enrich the human experience and to enrich individual human lives. You should join me, enrich us all."
Inspire Others Through the Arts
By including a gift to VMFA in your future plans, your thoughtful support will help inspire future generations through the arts. Contact Jayne Shaw at 804.340.5529 or jayne.shaw@vmfa.museum today to discuss gift options that benefit you and VMFA.
The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.