On Saturday, January 20, 2018, the newly accredited Gregory Allicar Museum of Art at Colorado State University will hold its annual fundraiser, Visualize. This year’s Visualize theme is “Art is Always in Bloom” and promises a welcome respite from the winter blues. This Visualize, we will honor our past and look to the future, celebrating a major milestone: accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). This represents the highest recognition afforded the nation’s museums, with fewer than 5% of museums in the nation accredited. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public.

Visualize is far more than a fun party (although it is that!). This event provides crucial funds for the museum’s endowment, which we rely on to support our exhibitions and programs. A growing endowment is crucial for a growing academic museum, allowing us to expand our outreach and bring ever better exhibitions to our community. The Allicar Museum’s ability to continue its trajectory of excellence hinges on the success of this event.