LACMA is deeply saddened by the passing of trustee Michael Smooke this week. Michael and his wife, Terri, have been devoted supporters of LACMA for decades, carrying on a multi-generational family legacy at the museum, and his loss will be felt by the entire museum community.

Michael first joined the Modern and Contemporary Art Council in 1974, and over the years, the Smookes have supported significant acquisitions of modern and contemporary art, including works by Thomas Demand, Senga Nengudi, Joe Ray, Ed Ruscha, Alexis Smith, Diana Thater, and Haegue Yang, among others. Their remarkable generosity to LACMA’s collection is recognized in the naming of Rita Gonzalez’s position as curator and department head of Contemporary Art. 

Michael joined the board in 1992, succeeding his father, Nathan Smooke, who served as a trustee until 1991. Michael was an invaluable member of the audit and finance committees for many years, and he and Terri were enthusiastic champions of the Building LACMA campaign. It was so meaningful to have Michael and Terri with us at the opening gala to celebrate the new building they helped bring to life.

Beyond LACMA, Michael extended his generosity and leadership to other L.A. cultural and civic organizations. He served as chair of the Beverly Hills Fine Art Commission, as well as on the boards of the Jewish Community Foundation and Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Terri and their children and grandchildren. While Michael will be deeply missed, his impact on LACMA will echo long into the future.