On Art Museum Funding

Re: “Architectural Design on a User-Friendly Scale,” Jan. 10.

It came as quite a surprise to read in Leon Whiteson’s otherwise informative review of an exhibition at the Gallery of Functional Art that the Santa Monica Museum of Art is a “privately funded” institution. Quite the contrary.

The museum is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dependent upon public support. We are wholly supported by contributions from our membership and board of trustees, and through grants from governmental agencies, corporations and charitable foundations. A great many individuals have generously lent their time, expertise and money to making the museum a reality. It is this collective effort and public good will that supports the Santa Monica Museum of Art.

THOMAS RHOADS

Director

Santa Monica Museum of Art