#WinThatGator via Giving Tuesday with LASM

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gyotaku art gator lasm giving tuesday Leslie Charleville

Gyotaku artist Leslie Charleville stands with her special edition "Blue Alligator" print,measuring 34” by 72” and created in response to COVID-19, in the Louisiana Art & ScienceMuseum’s Solar System Gallery.

Happy Giving Tuesday, everyone! As part of efforts to fundraise for the Louisiana Art & Science Museum’s COVID-19 financial recovery, gyotaku artist Leslie Charleville has created and donated a special edition Blue Alligator print available to one lucky donor. Those who donate $25 or more to LASM’s online COVID-19 relief efforts during the week of #GivingTuesdayNow, from Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8, will be entered to win this piece, which is valued at $2,000. Donations will be recorded as entries in increments of $25—$25 results in one entry, $100 results in four entries, and so on. The winner will be chosen by random number generator at noon on Saturday, May 9.

“I created this piece for LASM because I recently heard a statistic that up to a third of museums in this country may not survive this pandemic,” stated Leslie Charleville. “I want to do my part to ensure that LASM can continue offering quality programs and outreach to the community. Blue has become a symbolic color during COVID-19—I hope that this Blue Alligator inspires feelings of positivity for the future in the LASM supporter who wins it.”

Like many nonprofit organizations, the LASM is struggling to weather the financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Since temporarily closing in March, the Museum has had to lay off more than two-thirds of its staff and is projected to lose more than $380,000 in earned revenues by the end of June. LASM has expanded the global day of giving #GivingTuesdayNow, which was designed as an emergency response to the need caused by COVID-19, to five days of giving in order to raise as much money as possible.

“We are so fortunate to have Leslie’s generosity in response to this crisis,” stated Serena Pandos, LASM’s President & Executive Director. “It is my sincerest hope that our community answersLASM’s call for help, and that Leslie’s beautiful gyotaku print inspires folks from all over to donate to the only art and science museum in the region, which includes the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium, the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the state of Louisiana. Donations from those who are able—of any amount—help us offset our significant financial losses, continue producing virtual content at virtual-lasm.org, develop our new hospital outreach program, and enable us to reopen safely when that good day comes.”

Since the LASM is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization, all giftsare tax-deductible. As part of the new CARES Act, contributions of up to $300 are eligible for an above-the-line tax deduction, regardless of whether or not the individual itemizes. Donate online at lasm.org.