Building Community and Support

Despite being longtime members of the museum, Michael and Courtney Novak saw their relationship with the Cleveland Museum of Art deepens as their family began to grow. As a child, Courtney’s parents instilled in her the belief that art is an integral part of everyday life, often taking her on trips to the Toledo Museum of Art. Wanting to continue this tradition with their own family, the Novaks made it a priority to regularly bring their children to the CMA, making it a special place for them to spend time together exploring the galleries and admiring works of art.

One visit in particular stands out. While viewing a special exhibition on Renaissance art with their youngest son, Michael and Courtney became engrossed in a nearby portrait. Suddenly, to their surprise, alarms began to blare, and upon turning around, they saw that, unbeknownst to them, their son had slipped out of his stroller and ventured past the velvet ropes to stomp across an original Spanish tile floor in his wet rainboots. Though shocking at the time, the moment now lives on as a story the Novaks recall with smiles and laughter.

Ever ambassadors of the CMA, Michael and Courtney delight in introducing their friends and colleagues to the museum and its collection. The CMA’s annual Solstice event is a particular favorite of theirs, enabling them to whisk guests through the galleries with their own version of a highlights tour before enjoying an evening of music, food, and good company. In addition, Michael’s firm, Wellspring Family Office, recently became a CMA corporate partner, allowing him to share his love of the museum with partners and employees.

Over time, both Michael and Courtney have taken on increasingly active roles at the museum, seeking out opportunities that reflect their shared interests and professional experiences. Michael’s involvement began as a member, and later chair, of the CMA’s Gift Planning Advisory Committee and has continued with him serving on the museum’s board of trustees, including work on the Investment and Philanthropy Committees. Courtney, meanwhile, joined the museum’s Womens Council, where she has connected with many like-minded women who share her passion for the CMA and helped plan education programs for other members. Giving back is a core value for the Novaks, and their work with the museum has proven to be deeply rewarding for them.

Michael and Courtney consider it both a pleasure and a privilege to be part of the CMA and its vibrant community of supporters. Recognizing the importance and the obligation of preserving and fortifying the marvelous cultural institutions that enrich Cleveland, they have made a significant gift to the museum supporting several key areas. Their generosity ensures that the CMA continues to serve audiences throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond.