The museum is named for the Nerman family in recognition of their lead gift in 2003 to help found an artmuseum for JCCC.  Jerome and Margaret Nerman’s favorite collecting mantra is “search, secure and share.” They, along with their son, Lewis, and his wife, Sue, frequently open their homes to share their prestigious collections. Jerome and Margaret Nerman were recently listed by Art & Antiques magazine among the 100 leading private art collectors in the country.

The Nermans have a long history of supporting the arts in Kansas City. Jerome Nerman was formerly a trustee of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art; he currently serves on the collection committee of the Nelson-Atkins Museum (both in Kansas City, Mo.). Margaret Nerman is a member of the board of trustees of the Kansas City Art Institute. Lewis Nerman is on the board of the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art, while his wife, Sue, is a docent for the new Nerman Museum. Lewis and Sue Nerman are also members of the Warwick Society of the Kansas City Art Institute. A major gallery in the recently unveiled Bloch wing of the Nelson-Atkins Museum is also named for the Nerman family.

Jerome Nerman is the co-founder of Arrow Truck Sales. In 1998, Volvo Trucks North America acquired Arrow. Today the company is North America’s leading dealer in pre-owned medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Jerome Nerman continues as executive vice president for business development and industry relations and chairman emeritus. He is also chairman of Central Bank.

“We are very interested in promoting an appreciation of the arts with young people and new collectors,” Jerome Nerman said. “The new museum at JCCC will ensure that thousands of students and visitors will be able to enjoy major exhibitions and a spectacular permanent collection.”