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Chrysler Museum of Art Establishes $2 Million Endowed Curator of Photography Position

institutional · 2026-09-20

Brooks Johnson, a dedicated supporter of the Chrysler Museum of Art, has pledged $2 million to establish a curator of photography position named in honor of his late wife, Germaine Clair. This role is focused on enhancing and preserving the museum's photography collection. Clair, a respected figure within the Hampton Roads arts community, was known for her artistic contributions, including designing exhibition catalogs for the museum and notable publishers. She also taught at Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, Virginia, and held the position of art director for Jewish News and United. This generous gift aims to advance the museum's photography programs significantly.

Key facts

  • The Chrysler Museum of Art received a $2 million gift from Brooks Johnson.
  • The gift establishes the Germaine Clair and Brooks Johnson curator of photography position.
  • Brooks Johnson is a longtime museum supporter and former curator.
  • The endowment honors Johnson's late wife, Germaine Clair.
  • Germaine Clair was an active member of the Hampton Roads creative community.
  • Clair was a graphic designer who produced books and exhibition catalogues for the Chrysler Museum of Art and other publishers.
  • Clair taught design as adjunct faculty at Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, Virginia.
  • Clair served as art director for the Jewish News and United.

Entities

Artists

  • Brooks Johnson
  • Germaine Clair

Institutions

  • Chrysler Museum of Art
  • W.W. Norton & Company
  • Bulfinch Press
  • Aperture
  • Takarajima Books
  • Tidewater Community College
  • Jewish News
  • United

Locations

  • Hampton Roads
  • Norfolk
  • Virginia

Sources