The Kohler Foundation recently gifted Marian University more than 400 works of art for the university’s permanent collection, with the pieces expected to be used both for display and teaching purposes.

University faculty were involved at each step of the process in both accepting the initial invitation by the foundation to receive artworks, and in selecting the pieces from the foundation’s collection, according to a Marian University news release.

“I’m excited to have these works of art join our collection to both enhance our campus community and inspire all of our students,” Tom Wallestad, an associate professor of graphic arts, said in the release. Wallestad played a direct role in the gifting process, guiding the selection process.

“I can’t wait to share these great examples with our art students,” Wallested said. “I see immediate benefits to those in our life drawing, painting, animation and comic illustration classes.”

The largest portion of the gift – attributed to both the Kohler Foundation, Inc. and the Judith Roth Revocable Trust – will include 395 paintings and 35 sketchbooks by Judith Roth, a Boston native artist, according to the release. Roth’s works have previously been exhibited at the Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio, the Maier Museum of Art in Virginia, the National Academy of Design in New York and J. Rosenthal Fine Arts in Chicago.

Thirty-two works by Madison native John Colt will also be in the gift – attributed to both the Kohler Foundation, Inc. and Ruth Kjaer – according to the release. Additionally, the Kohler Foundation, Inc. and Vihos family gifted four giclee prints by Georg Vihos.

“We are pleased to include works of artists like John Colt, Judith Roth and Georg Vihos in this gift to Marian University, as we know the power that art can have, not only in building community, but also offering connection to community members who encounter it,” Laura Roenitz, Kohler Foundation executive director, said in the release.