August 29, 2023

VINCENNES, Ind. - The Red Skelton Museum Foundation Board of Directors proudly announces the Skelton Estate has pledged a generous gift of $4 million to the Vincennes University Foundation. The magnificent donation will create the Lothian and Red Skelton Gallery of Fine Art in honor of Lothian Skelton’s late husband, world-famous comedian and Vincennes native Red Skelton.

The expansion of the Red Skelton Museum has long been a dream of Lothian Skelton. She is incredibly pleased to be able to make her dream a reality.

"This is my opportunity to honor the legacy of a wonderful and talented man who spent his life bringing joy to others," she said.

The 7,200-square-foot art gallery will showcase Red Skelton’s artwork. It will connect to the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy adjacent to the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center on the Vincennes Campus.

"We are profoundly grateful to Mrs. Lothian Skelton for her generous gift.” VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said. “This will be a very nice addition to the University’s facilities as well as a nice addition for the community, and it is a great way to further celebrate Red Skelton and expand on the museum’s collections and display areas."

Red Skelton began painting in the 1940s to relax. He continued painting throughout his lifetime. An original Red Skelton painting would sell for upwards of $50,000 in the 1980s.

"This has been a work in progress for several years, and we are so excited to have the pieces fall into place to expand the museum and have the space to showcase Red’s artistic side," Museum Director Anne Pratt said.

A ceremonial groundbreaking for the museum expansion is on Monday, October 16, at 1 p.m. (ET) outside the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy. A reception will follow in the foyer of the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center, celebrating Mrs. Skelton’s birthday. The public is invited.

The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy opened in 2013 and sees thousands of visitors yearly from across the country and around the globe.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anne Pratt, Director, Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy, and President, Red Skelton Museum Foundation

20 Red Skelton Blvd.

Vincennes, IN 47591

812-888-2105, office

apratt@vinu.edu, email

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