Jan Isaac Shrem, a visionary philanthropist and patron of the arts, passed away peacefully this month at the age of 94 after a long illness. Shrem's passions spanned publishing, winemaking, art collecting, and philanthropy, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. His unwavering commitment to making the arts and education accessible to all has forever transformed the communities he touched, particularly at the University of California, Davis, where his and his wife's generosity have created a lasting legacy.

Unlocking the Power of Art and Education for All

A Shared Passion for the Arts

It was a shared affinity for the arts that united Shrem and his wife, Maria Manetti Shrem, first as friends and then as a married couple. Their dedication to philanthropy and their passion for art, music, wine, and culture took them around the globe, inspiring them to connect with UC Davis. Margrit Mondavi, a mutual friend and fellow arts patron, suggested the partnership, which ultimately led to the couple's transformative gifts to the university.

Establishing the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art

In 2011, the Shrems made a $10 million naming gift to establish the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis. Opened in 2016, the museum serves both the public and the university with dynamic exhibitions and programs that are free for all. A third of the museum's 50,000-square-foot space is devoted to instruction, including a lecture hall, classroom space, and an art-making studio, reflecting the Shrems' belief that "education and the arts should be accessible to all people."

Expanding Arts Education and Residencies

The Shrems' philanthropic efforts at UC Davis extend beyond the museum. They have also funded arts education in the College of Letters and Science, establishing the most extensive artist residency program of its kind in the country with The California Studio: Manetti Shrem Artist Residencies. This program provides artists with the resources and support to create and share their work, further enriching the university's arts ecosystem.

A Transformative Gift for the Arts District

In May 2024, Maria Manetti Shrem built on the couple's initial gift with a $20 million-plus pledge to catalyze a holistic arts renaissance at UC Davis. This funding will establish eight new endowments and programs in arts, arts history, and sustainable design, culminating in the ribbon-cutting for the renamed Maria Manetti Shrem Arts District within the College of Letters and Science in late January 2025.

Honoring Shrem's Legacy through Student-Curated Exhibitions

It had been Shrem's wish that "every student approach art as a beginning or as an inspiration for their future and for their education." In keeping with this vision, the Manetti Shrem Museum opened its first student-curated and student-designed exhibition, "Light into Density: Abstract Encounters 1920s–1960s | From the Collection of Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem," on September 19. The exhibition features 15 paintings from world-renowned abstract artists, including one of Shrem's favorites, Roberto Matta's "Chamboles les Amoureuses," 1947.

A Global Perspective and a Shared Love for Giving

Shrem brought a deep global perspective to every conversation, influenced by his life experiences. Born in Colombia to Jewish-Lebanese parents, he spent his formative years between Colombia and Israel before immigrating to the United States at the age of 16. His international life experiences, including establishing a successful company in Japan, shaped his worldview and his approach to philanthropy.Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem's shared love for giving has profoundly impacted the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Beyond their transformative work at UC Davis, the couple has supported a wide range of charitable programs and institutions, from the Metropolitan Opera in New York to the San Francisco Opera, Festival Napa Valley, and the King's Foundation in the United Kingdom. Their philanthropy has touched countless lives, making the arts, education, and other vital services more accessible to communities around the world.