SERVICES > Governor's Arts Awards > 2012 GAA Award Winners
2012 GAA Thomas C. Woods III Partner in the Arts Award
Kathy and Marc LeBaron
Of the many things that make Kathy and Marc LeBaron special Nebraskans, the most notable is their common interest in community service. They have long believed that our world is better when people make a positive difference by giving back in a way that enlightens. As collectors and patrons of the arts, they have made a difference.
Kathy and Marc’s leadership in the arts community inspires others to support the arts financially and to become involved. Kathy is the past president of the Board of Trustees for the Sheldon Art Association, the nonprofit support organization for the Sheldon Museum of Art. She served as a Board member for ten years. Kathy chaired the Fund Development Committee for the Sheldon Art Association for eight years. In addition, Marc and Kathy co-chaired two major fundraisers “For the Love of Sheldon”, held in 2002 and 2004. These events (one held in their home) raised more money than any other Sheldon fundraisers. In addition, Kathy has worked with Sheldon committees in planning other fundraisers. Kathy and Marc have provided financial support for many Sheldon exhibitions and programs, as well as the Lux, the Museum of Nebraska Art, and other art organizations.
Marc is the current Chairman of the International Sculpture Center (ISC). Located in Hamilton, New Jersey, the ISC champions the creation and understanding of sculpture and its unique, vital contribution to society. As chairman of the Board of Directors, Marc has led a strategic planning process that has empowered the ISC to engage artists and arts professionals to advance sculpture around the world. Marc has been on the Nebraska Cultural Endowment board since 2004 and is President-elect.
Kathy and Marc would be the first to say that they were mentored by Robert and Karen Duncan, who are also major art collectors and supporters of the arts. Together their interest in art extends beyond the borders of the United States. This common interest in art enticed them to build an artists’ studio in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where they invite artists to participate in an artists’ residency and experience the culture and flavors of Mexico.
Most recently Marc and Kathy chaired an art seminar for another international group in Berlin, Germany. Participants visited private collections, private and public museums, and artists’ studios.
Kathy and Marc have been long-time members of the Sheldon Forum, a group of art collectors who educate themselves and others about collecting and preserving art collections. Kathy and Marc share their extensive contemporary art collection with many individuals in the community including providing tours for Sheldon docent volunteers. People and groups who visit Lincoln and want to see private collections find themselves visiting their home and the Lincoln Industries campus.
They have become mentors to others, helping to inspire a new generation of arts patrons. Their business, Lincoln Industries, is well-known for a corporate culture that focuses on learning and development, workplace wellness, safety, communications and recognition. Another way Kathy and Marc inspire the community and share their love of art is through the artwork that they have exhibited in the offices and meeting spaces at Lincoln Industries. Additionally, they have loaned their artwork for public display in Lincoln. Many of their pieces are loaned to museums and exhibitions nationally and internationally. Kathy and Marc don’t just collect art; they integrate art into their daily lives, and more important, the lives of those they touch. They live with it, they commit their time to arts organizations in the community and they use their resources and talents to plan for the future of the arts in Nebraska and beyond.
