McNay Art Museum Awarded $250,000 grant from the John R. and Greli N. Less charitable trust for new artwork acquisition

During the McNay Art Museum’s annual fund-raising luncheon—which featured prima ballerina and contemporary art collector Misty Copeland—the Museum announced a $250,000 grant from the John R. and Greli N. Less Charitable Trust for the acquisition of artwork(s) by women artists of color for the Museum’s permanent collection. The acquisition honors the legacy of the Trust’s namesake, Greli N. Less, and strengthens the McNay’s ongoing championing of the wide-ranging talents of all women in the arts.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support of the Less Charitable Trust to celebrate women across the spectrum of creative arts,” said Matthew McLendon, McNay director and CEO. “Since opening in 1954, the McNay has been a space of beauty where all members of our community are welcome. With this generous support, the Museum’s collection can more deeply engage with our community through the works of artists who have historically been underrepresented in the art world.”

In alignment with the McNay’s strategic plan, the Museum will continue to collect historically significant artworks that offer a global perspective. Future acquisitions will increasingly diversify the collection with artworks representing a broad range of women artists.

The John R. and Greli N. Less Charitable Trust was established in 2021 and honors the philanthropy of its namesakes and benefactors, longtime San Antonio and Boerne residents John and Greli Less. Frost Bank is a trustee for the trust.