FRAMINGHAM – The Danforth Art Museum and School has received a bequest of over $4,660,000 from the estate of Susan Litowitz, artist, trustee, and longtime patron of the Danforth. 

The gift is structured and restricted to serve four principal areas: operations and programming in the Litowitz Family Gallery in the Museum, educational programming, marketing and community engagement, and financial aid for adult art students. The first three of these areas will be endowed, providing an annual yield in support of them.

The bequest is the largest in the 50-year history of the Danforth.

“This gift is transformative for us,” said Museum Director and Curator, Jessica Roscio, “and a major investment in our future, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary year. We are still processing the implications of this extraordinary expression of generosity from Susan and the many ways that it will advance our mission.”

For over a decade, Susan supported the Danforth in multiple ways, including being a strong advocate during its transition from downtown Framingham to its merger with Framingham State University and new location on the Centre Common. Susan provided leadership and financial support until her passing in 2023. Valedictorian of her high school, Susan received her BA from Cornell followed by a successful career during which she owned and operated graphics arts businesses in Chicago and Lowell, with the most recent being SusanADesigns. Throughout her life, she participated and supported many causes with her primary focus on education, music and arts for children. She took classes in the Art School, served on the Education Committee, and participated in the Museum’s Annual Juried Exhibition.

“This gift creates significant opportunities for greater service to our MetroWest communities,” said Art School Director, Noelle Fournier. “These additional resources will allow us to enhance many of our existing programs as well as begin new initiatives.”

“Institutions like Framingham State’s Danforth Art Museum and School play a vital role in enriching our communities, sparking creativity, and inspiring the next generation of artists and thinkers,” says FSU President Nancy Niemi. “We are so grateful to Susan for helping us preserve and expand access to the transformative power of art. The impact of this gift will touch so many in our community.”

The Danforth was founded in 1975, and became a part of Framingham State University in 2018. It serves over thirty communities in MetroWest and beyond, and is the only art institution with a museum and school between Boston and Worcester.