Kurtzes have legacy gifts down to an art

John and Monica Kurtz’s gift to Luther College shows they have legacy giving down to an art.

A year ago last March, the owners of the Assiniboia gallery donated 23 works of art by nationally recognized artists like Allen Sapp and Erica Grimm-Vance and local artists like Clara Samuels and Mickey Cantor.

"Art for many years has been a very important part of our lives," said Mr. Kurtz during a reception opening a four-day exhibit of the donation in Luther’s university chapel. "I think that when students, or anyone for that matter, have an opportunity to see beautiful pieces of art, it makes their lives more complete."

According to Luther College President Richard Hordern, the gift is not about personal recognition.

"They did not donate this artwork to gain recognition for themselves, but to acknowledge the glory of God and give a lasting gift to the Luther College community past, present and future," said Dr. Hordern.

The collection, which will be named the John and Monica Kurtz Art Legacy Gift will be divided and displayed at Luther College’s university and high school campuses.
Dr. Hordern says all students will benefit.

"It is spectacular to think of the enhancement to our learning environment that these professional quality paintings will make. Not only will they enliven our hallways, they will also serve as teaching tools."

The donation is not the Kurtz’s first contribution to the community. They and their late son, James, founded the Native Heritage Foundation, which is dedicated to displaying the artwork of First Nations artists in prominent locations around the world. Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz have also been active in the Regina Symphony Orchestra, the Mackenzie Art Gallery, the Regina Chamber of Commerce and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

After James’ unexpected death in 1996, the Kurtzes worked with artists whose works had been displayed in their gallery over the years to publish a book called Treasured Moments. The proceeds from the sale of the book and the paintings featured in it were divided and given to Luther College, the Mackenzie Art Gallery, the Regina Symphony Orchestra and the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College.

Through their generosity and willingness to look beyond traditional methods of giving, John and Monica Kurtz have left a legacy for their community now and for many years to come.

"There is more to life than simply living," writes Hordern in Treasured Moments. "It is that ‘more’ which makes life meaningful and purposeful. It is the ‘more’ that unites us with the underlying structures of existence. It is the ‘more that [John, Monica and] James Kurtz helped to bring to all of our lives."