Lanny and Sharon Martin

Lanny & Sharon Martin Make Lead Gift to Revitalize North Building

For more than two decades, J. Landis (Lanny) and Sharon have been instrumental in guiding the vision of the Denver Art Museum and have provided a longstanding commitment to major programs, special exhibitions, and important acquisitions to the permanent collection.

With their transformational $25 million gift, the largest financial gift in the museum’s history, to revitalize the North Building, they have elevated this institution to new heights.

The North Building is considered one of the most significant objects in the museum’s collection, and our family is honored to support the much-needed rehabilitation required to bring it into the 21st century.

– J. Landis (Lanny) Martin

About the Martins

Lanny joined the Denver Art Museum Board of Trustees in 1994. In 2007, he was appointed to the role of Vice Chair and then was named Co-Chair with Frederic C. Hamilton in 2011. In 2013, he took the helm of the Board of Trustees as Chairman. In honor of contributions made by Lanny and Sharon to the Frederic C. Hamilton Building Capital Campaign, one of the museum’s primary exhibition galleries is named in honor of the Martins, as is the plaza, which connects the museum to the adjacent neighborhood. The Martins care deeply for the Denver Art Museum and have wholeheartedly supported the mission of the museum’s multi-year exhibitions and programming fund, the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign. They also generously participate in the museum’s fundraising events and graciously host museum events throughout the year.

Their philanthropy extends beyond the museum to many community organizations.

Sharon is currently a trustee of St. Elizabeth’s School and is a Past President and active member of the Central City Opera House Association Guild, as well as a past trustee of St. Anne’s Episcopal School and the Denver Botanic Gardens. A Life Trustee of Denison University, Sharon was recently honored with an Alumni Citation for her passion for the arts and her commitment to the University. In 2015, she received the Denver Area Panhellenic Alumnae Achievement Award on behalf of Kappa Kappa Gamma for her service to her community.

Lanny is Chairman of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation in Denver and remains actively involved with the Central City Opera House Association as Chairman Emeritus and Chairman of its Endowment Fund. He is also Chairman of the Clyfford Still Museum Foundation and Vice Chair of Northwestern University Board of Trustees. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Denver community and business sectors, Lanny received the Josef Korbel Humanitarian Award in 2010 and was inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame in 2012.

Lanny and Sharon have three children: Mary Lester, Sarah Stettner, and Emily Martin.