We are thrilled to announce a beautiful new addition to the Anderson Museum of Art’s front yard, made possible by the generous donation of Tony and Laura Soverns. The new benches, now elegantly framing our front walkway, are more than just pieces of outdoor furniture—they are a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of two remarkable families whose dedication to the arts has deeply impacted our community.
A Story of Legacy and Generosity
Over a decade ago, Laura Soverns made a poignant decision to honor her parents’ memory by donating a bench to what was then known as the Anderson Fine Arts Center. Laura envisioned a stylish bench that would complement the museum’s classic character and offer a welcoming space for patrons to gather before events. After discussing her vision with Debbie Stapleton, the former director of the museum, a beautiful bench style was chosen and set in place.
As time went on and Laura experienced the loss of her mother-in-law, she realized that a single bench would no longer suffice. Given the significant roles both her mother-in-law and father had played as devoted volunteers at the museum, Laura felt compelled to donate a second bench. This gesture became a fitting tribute to both her mother-in-law and father, who, along with their spouses, were steadfast supporters of the museum.
Honoring Dedicated Volunteers
The story behind these benches is a testament to the rich volunteer history of our museum. Dorothy Soverns, Laura’s mother-in-law, began volunteering in the 1980s driven by her love for drawing. Her commitment was so strong that when she couldn’t make a scheduled shift in 1986, she asked Ed Evers—Laura’s father, a retired manager, and an artist—to fill in. This simple act led to Ed becoming a cherished volunteer, joining Dorothy in supporting the museum’s many initiatives.
Together with their spouses, Bob Soverns and Marge Evers, Dorothy and Ed were passionate advocates for the museum. They dedicated countless hours answering phones, guiding visitors, assisting with school field trips, and contributing to special events like the FRESH Exhibit and Oktoberfest. Ed Evers, known affectionately as The Art Man, even brought famous paintings to elementary schools to inspire young students with art history.
A Special Addition to Our Museum
The new benches stand as symbols of this enduring dedication and service. They provide a space for our visitors to rest, reflect, and connect with the museum’s rich history and the individuals who have helped shape it. As Mandee, our current director, aptly noted, “Now that the benches are here, it feels like they’ve been missing all along; like they were always supposed to be here.”
Tony and Laura Soverns’ thoughtful donation enhances our museum’s front yard and reinforces the connection between past and present. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Soverns family for their generosity and for helping to make our museum a more inviting and reflective space.
We invite everyone to visit and experience these wonderful new additions. Take a moment to enjoy the benches and remember the legacy of those who have contributed so much to our beloved museum.
AMOA and the Soverns family would like to thank Francisco and Cazares Concrete for their support of this project.