An Enduring Love, a Forever Gift

Frank Petersmark is a retired IT professional, holds a Ph.D. in history, and has served as a devoted volunteer at the Detroit Institute of Arts for over 20 years. He helped create a welcome seminar for new volunteers and chaired the Volunteer Council and several committees. Because of his IT background, Frank helped institute the museum’s first online system for scheduling the work of its 700+ volunteers.

For this exemplary and innovative service, Frank was awarded the 2023 DIA’s Distinguished Service Award for Volunteers. He and his wife Jerilyn are also members of the Tannahill Society.

Their relationship with the museum began when their children were small; as young as 3, their daughter was asking to visit the museum for her birthday.

Frank began his volunteer work in Gallery Service, where he enjoyed engaging with museum visitors from Detroit and around the world. Jerilyn was involved in a program which brought reproductions of works of art to schools and arranged for student field trips to museums.

The Petersmarks believe deeply in the power of art to change lives. To them, making a planned gift was a natural evolution of their love for the DIA. They see the museum as more than a world-class art museum. Frank describes it as an outstanding educational and entertainment venue, a place for encountering new artists and changing perspectives, a community gathering center, and the city’s cultural icon.

The Petersmarks hope their planned gift will allow the museum to continue its mission far into the future. They are humble and grateful to help make that happen.

Like the Petersmarks, you can make an impact on the arts and culture in Detroit. Contact Rosemarie Gleeson at (313) 494-5233 or rgleeson@dia.org to learn more.