Jade Circle
Among the many extraordinary treasures that comprise the Asian Art Museum’s permanent collection, the circular jade disk known as a bi stands out as a symbol of the vital role individual supporters play in the life of the museum. The bi’s significance is embodied in its longevity and exquisite craftsmanship. Jade pieces in this shape were first created thousands of years ago, before metals had been harnessed for human use. Bi were carved with a string saw and an abrasive in what must have amounted to many, many hours of work. While experts will probably never know for certain the purpose of the bi, its importance must have been paramount to have commanded such dedicated labor and resources. The result is a lasting symbol of artistry and beauty, and of commitment to a vision and purpose.
Like the bi, the Jade Circle represents a generous investment of time and resources, and a commitment to embracing the unique material, aesthetic, and intellectual achievements of Asian art and culture. Jade Circle members make annual gifts of $3,000 or more to the museum for general program support. The Jade Circle helps to:
- foster a greater understanding and enjoyment of Asian art and culture
- provide education and outreach programs for students, families and adults which celebrate the more than forty Asian cultures represented in the museum’s collection
- present new and exciting special exhibitions
- conserve and expand the museum’s internationally recognized permanent collection
Benefits and Privileges
Conservators’ Council $3,000–$5,999
- Access to the Peterson Room and Garden
- Personalized assistance provided by a Jade Circle representative for museum activities including:
• Peterson Room reservations
• Group visits
• Private tours - 6 admissions passes for unaccompanied guests
- One complimentary docent tour or storytelling, pending scheduling availability. Tours and storytelling are available on a wide variety of topics.*
- Invitations to select exhibition previews and openings
- Invitations to tours exclusively for Jade Circle members
- Invitation to the Jade Circle Annual Meeting Reception
- Priority seating for selected performances and lectures
- Recognition on the Museum’s Annual Donor Wall and in the Donor Report
Curators’ Council $6,000–$9,999
- All of the above plus:
- Invitation to a program highlighting upcoming special
exhibitions with museum curators
Director’s Council $10,000–$14,999
- All of the above plus:
- Opportunity to host a private evening event in the Peterson Room
- Invitation to Director’s Choice program
- Invitation to Director’s Council Dinner
Leadership Council $15,000–$24,999
- All of the above plus:
- “Back-of-the-house” tours of the museum
- Opportunity for recognition as a sponsor of a public or education program
Avery Brundage Circle $25,000+
The Avery Brundage Circle is a donor program of individuals making annual contributions of $25,000 or more to the museum. Named in honor of the museum’s founding benefactor, the Avery Brundage Circle provides ongoing support for exhibitions, education, cultural programs, and conservation. For information on the Avery Brundage Circle click here.
Fair market value of benefits for Conservator’s Council estimated to be $175, for Curators’ Council, $205, for Director’s Council and Leadership Council, $375. Please consult your tax advisor as to what portion of your gift is tax deductible.
We cordially invite you to join this important group of donors with a Jade Circle gift today. Throughout the year members receive invitations to special openings; lectures and programs by scholars and staff; consular corps receptions; viewings of private art collections; and national and international travel opportunities. Click here for upcoming Jade Circle events. Members also have access to the Peterson Room, a private donor lounge. For information on scheduled programs please call 415.581.3775.
Join online today, or click here for a PDF form.
The Richard H. and Marianne Peterson Room and Garden are secluded donor areas open only to Jade Circle and Avery Brundage Circle members and their guests. The elegantly appointed room and tranquil garden located behind Cafe Asia is a perfect place to enjoy lunch or a complimentary cup of tea or coffee. The room is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Thursday evenings from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm are reserved for private events hosted by Jade Circle members at the Director’s Council level ($10,000+) or higher, or for museum and other Jade Circle activities.
Access
- Admission to the Peterson Room is by key only.
- Keys may be requested at the membership admissions desk. You will be asked to leave your museum membership card or other ID in exchange for the key.
- When you leave the Peterson Room, please return the key to the admissions desk and retrieve your card or ID.
Guests
- Members are encouraged to bring guests to tour the museum and visit the Peterson Room. Your museum membership allows you to admit four guests. We ask that you remain with your guests during your visit to the room and garden.
- More than one group at a time may be using the room and we ask that you share the space with each other, respecting noise levels and area limitations. The Peterson Room is not designed to be a place to conduct business or meetings. These courtesies will allow your fellow Jade Circle members to enjoy the Peterson Room along with you throughout the day.
Cafe Asia lunch or other event reservations
- Reservations can be made for luncheon, tea, or other refreshments by contacting the Jade Circle Office at 415.581.3794 or jadecircle@asianart.org.
- We try to limit special lunches to one table, so that all members may enjoy the room at any time. Please contact us at least 48 hours in advance to ensure that space is available for your party.
- Cafe Asia is pleased to provide catering for you and your guests. They offer a range of services and can provide you many options to enhance your visit. Cafe Asia can be reached at 415.581.3630 or cafeasia@asianart.org.
- Cafe Asia will schedule your party only with confirmation from the Jade Circle office.
Special events
- From time to time, there may be larger groups using the room and garden. These are by special request only and must be confirmed in advance through the Jade Circle office. Hosts of these groups understand that they are sharing the room with others and will make every effort to accommodate members in the room or with substitute seating.
- On rare occasions, the museum may need to have exclusive use of the room for reasons of security or due to special arrangements. We will make every effort to make members comfortable with alternate arrangements and ask for your understanding when this happens.
- For more information about hosting a special event in the Peterson Room and Garden, please contact the Jade Circle office at 415.581.3794 or jadecircle@asianart.org.
