1. Planned Giving
  2. Why We Give
  3. Bonnie Larson

Bonnie Larson

A Generosity That Knows No Bounds

Bonnie LarsonBonnie Larson is one of the DIA's most exemplary supporters. The full extent of her generosity is too great to be recounted here; indeed, it is difficult to identify what Bonnie has not done for the DIA.

Since the early 1980s, Bonnie has served as President of the Founders Junior Council board, and has been a member of multiple DIA auxiliaries, a Gala co-chair, and a longtime member of the Board of Directors. She was a docent for 18 years, an experience she describes as both rewarding and enriching.

Not content with gifts of time and leadership, Bonnie and her late husband Robert generously supported every fundraising campaign of recent years. A DIA gallery, showcasing works by important Impressionists, bears their names. She is a member of the Society of Associates, the highest level of membership, and has made a generous legacy gift. In 2014, in recognition of this extraordinary record, Bonnie was given the museum's Lifetime Service Award.

Modern European Masters Series

While all this might have capped the philanthropic commitment of others, Bonnie's extraordinary beneficence did not end there. In 2017 she made a $5 million pledge to the DIA's operating endowment. In response, the DIA established the Bonnie Ann Larson Modern European Masters Series.

This important initiative will support the study and exhibition of the DIA's modern European collection, which includes masterpieces she loves by Van Gogh, Matisse, Renoir and Monet, among others. The DIA's recent exhibition, Monet: Framing Life, was the first example of her remarkable generosity.

Bonnie has said, "I want to help ensure that we never lose sight of the DIA's magical power to enrich the minds and hearts of anyone who might find their way through these doors."

The museum is extraordinarily fortunate and grateful for Bonnie's enduring vision and support.

Support Art in the Community

You can help keep art alive for the community. Discover the many ways you can make an impact—including some that cost you nothing today. Contact Deborah Odette at (313) 494-5236 or dodette@dia.org for more information.