Alexander Calder

Set Modern Art in Motion

Calder at SAM celebrates the life, legacy, and work of iconic American artist Alexander Calder (1898–1976) and was made possible through the transformative gift of the Shirley Family Calder Collection from longtime supporters Jon and Kim Shirley. Along with the collection came a substantial endowment to ensure the long-term care, preservation, and display of these masterpieces, as well as a commitment for annual funding to support the ongoing exploration of Calder’s profound influence on modern and contemporary art, his diverse cultural inspirations, and his groundbreaking contributions through regular exhibitions, artistic collaborations, and engaging public programs. Altogether, the Shirley Family’s incredible gift establishes the ongoing initiative Calder at SAM—elevating the museum’s national profile and bringing long-lasting cultural, economic, educational, and community impact to Seattle and beyond.