General Questions

1. What are the SAI programs?

SAI currently provides Senior Artists (55 and older) with an intern/docent to assist them in inventorying their artwork and conducting an oral history of their artistic life. SAI also connects artists to social service agencies through our Art Exchange program, a collaboration with the James A. Michener Art Museum, where donated artworks are placed in social service agencies in public areas. This is a pilot program by Michener and SAI to assist senior artists in finding appropriate placement for their art work and in reaching a broader public.

2. Who can participate in the SAI oral history and inventory program?

Artists are selected by our participating organizations, currently Drexel University, James a. Michener Art Museum, The Pennsylvania Academy of Art, and the University of the Arts. We also work with community arts organizations to conduct workshops. If you are interested in those workshops, contact seniorartistsinitiate @gmail.com

3. Where does Senior Artists Initiative focus it's work?

We limit our work to the Philadelphia 5-county region.

Estate Planning

1. Can I give away some of my art but keep it in my home for the rest of my life, or at least for a few years?

No, to have a valid gift, you must deliver the art to the recipient.

2. What if I give the art to someone, and he asks me to take it back and store it in my home?

Doubtful, especially if the gift and the return take place close in time.

3. How about if I have the art in my home but it’s marked as belonging to the recipient?

No, because you still have it. You have to give it away to make a completed gift.

4. Suppose I (1) give art to someone with a document (“deed of gift”) stating that I am making a gift and then (2) the recipient gives me a letter asking that I retain the art until the recipient asks for it, that (3) the recipient provides for insurance of the art, that (4) the recipient has the right to take it whenever she wishes, and (5) it’s marked as belonging to the recipient?

Yes, following those steps should make it clear that a gift has been made.