I first fell in love with Calder as a young man, creating a passion that has only grown with time. From the moment I bought my first work 35 years ago, I treasured the experience of living with Calder and from that point built my collection very intentionally.

Jon Shirley

In spring 2023, SAM announced the generosity of long-time patrons Jon and Kim Shirley in making a promised gift of the renowned Shirley Family Calder Collection to the museum. This remarkable collection, the result of 35 years of thoughtful and passionate collecting, includes 45 extraordinary works, plus lithographs and rare ephemera representing every decade of Alexander Calder’s career. It features Calder’s iconic mobiles, stabiles, standing mobiles, intricate wire sculptures, a dazzling constellation, works on paper, and a significant oil painting—showcasing the full breadth of the legendary artist’s genius.

The Shirleys have a long and distinguished history of supporting SAM and the arts in the region. Both Jon and Kim are members of the museum’s board of trustees, with Jon serving as chairman from 2000 to 2008. Together with his late wife, Mary, Jon was instrumental in envisioning and realizing the Olympic Sculpture Park. Their generous funding helped acquire the land, and they created a $25 million endowment to ensure the park remains free and open to the public.

Calder’s monumental sculpture, The Eagle, on display at the Olympic Sculpture Park, was also gifted by Jon and Mary Shirley in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the museum and has since become an iconic landmark on Seattle’s waterfront.

For the Shirley Family, sharing their Calder collection with the public has always been the goal. Their incredible gift will expand access, appreciation, and knowledge of these significant works, ensuring that Calder’s visionary art continues to inspire generations to come.