NORFOLK, VA — The Barry Art Museum at Old Dominion University has announced a major gift from the Leah and Richard Waitzer Foundation. The collection of 165 works in 20th Century and contemporary glass sculpture will more than double the Museum’s holdings in glass. Among these works is “Absent”, a 1992 blown glass vase by Dan Dailey from his Abstract Heads series. The Waitzers were known as prominent civic leaders, philanthropists, and art collectors.
“Leah and Richard were enthusiastic, decisive, and knowledgeable collectors, and they taught us a great deal,” said Museum co-founder Richard Barry.
“We enjoyed the thrill of the hunt with them,” added Museum co-founder Carolyn Barry. “They had an especially keen eye for art and were generous in sharing their expertise with other collectors.”
Opening its doors in 2018, the The Barry Art Museum features a glass sculpture collection from internationally recognized artists, which contributes substantially to the region’s growing reputation as a glass art center. The Museum’s collection also includes American modernist paintings, historic and antique dolls, and automata. The Museum is committed to expanding its collection to support a diverse body of work from contemporary and living artists in support of education at ODU and beyond.