“In times of economic challenge, it’s easy to put the arts aside: reduce funding, cut back, eliminate. But if we do that, we won’t have the arts to build on. We won’t have the creative energy spurring technological or urban development. It’s important not to fall into the temptation of short-sightedness, think of the arts as a luxury, and cut them back.”

“Talking with my kids about art is like some fathers talking to their sons about baseball. It’s a strong family tradition. Each of my sons has his own aesthetic and perspectives on art—what they like and don’t like. It reflects their personalities.”

“It’s easy to give away money. What’s hard to do is give away money well, which is why United States Artists is so great: it has a quality control process that ensures sustainability. It’s arguably one of the most rigorous models in the world of philanthropy. To me as a donor, that’s a huge plus.”

“It was my father who said that helping others
is an Alaskan tradition. Helping others was the guiding principle of my father’s life and it is one of my guiding principles still. Our children were inculcated with the spirit that my father defined and now, the next generation is on our board.”

“Artists bring brilliance to America. They are
key to making our culture and our country what it is. They must be supported by those of us who believe in giving back.”

“Great design helps improve lives everyday. It’s about more than aesthetics and style. Great design promotes creativity: learning and striving for innovation that leads to extraordinary experiences.”

“USA presents not just another way to support the arts. It ’s a rare occasion where you can support an artist. They have not only created a new financial vehicle, they have solved the problem of picking which artists to support.”

“Art presents a wonderful opportunity for self-examination. When you see something, you have a new experience and you find that you’re reflecting on who you are. Encountering new ideas, the audience is given even more and feels inspired.”

“Art provides an amazing and diverse sense of the world’s possibilities, and artists shape how we experience them. I grew up in a family that went to museums and at a time when public school programs still took students to theater and concerts. I’m always learning, always appreciating new work.”

“Supporting United States Artists is the single best thing you can do today to back the arts in America in a broad and deep sense. Particularly in a down economy, this kind of money couldn’t come at a better time.”