Ainslie and Hardy Todd

Ainslie and Hardy Todd are all about the arts, Memphis and especially the Dixon. Their families have long histories in the Memphis community as staunch advocates for cultural living. This creative couple is determined to continue its commitment to the Dixon and to making Memphis a better place for its citizens and visitors.

Tell us about yourself. (Where you are from, educated, career, hobbies, special interests, etc.?)

Ainslie: I was born in Memphis, attended St. Mary’s, graduated from Hutchison School, and studied fashion design, art history, and costume history at Parson’s School of Design. My father served as president of the board of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, so I grew up exposed to art. For thirteen years, I lived in New York, lived one year in Rome, and traveled throughout Greece for a month with my friend Veda Reed. In all my travels, I spent my time visiting museums, churches, and galleries.

Hardy: I, too, am Memphis born. I attended PDS, graduated from Memphis University School, from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where I majored in political science, and from the University of Memphis with a Master’s in Public Administration. My dad was determined that I study with a career in mind, but I truly loved antiques and the decorative arts. A little-known fact about me is that I enjoy polishing silver. I love seeing the result of my labors. (Editor’s Note: Hardy deserves a medal for this.)

What first interested you in the Dixon?

Ainslie: John and Lucy Buchanan first drew us into the life of the Dixon encouraging us to become Circle Life members. Since then, we have joined the Curator’s Circle. We have learned about the process of selecting art for the museum and enjoy considering available works of art selected by Curator Julie Pierotti and Director Kevin Sharp, then voting for our favorite. We have even been able to acquire art for our personal collection through our membership in the Curator’s Circle.

Hardy: Growing up I often visited my aunt, uncle and cousins who lived in the Snowden home on the corner of Park and Audubon Drive directly next door to the Dixon. I became fascinated by the Dixon and its atmosphere. I saw Mr. and Mrs. Dixon as a mystical couple whom I did not see often but who had great influence in the community. At age fifteen, I was invited to a pool party at the Dixon’s home. That was my first visit to the estate.

In your experiences with the Dixon, have there been any surprises, negative or positive?

Hardy: My first impression of the Dixon was that it was a private club for about 200 members, but John and Lucy (Buchanan) soon made the Dixon more welcoming so that its influence on the community expanded. The Curator’s Circle has opened the Dixon to a new audience and has taught them about museum life. I am impressed with the outreach programs that the Dixon presents.

Take a seat in Kevin’s chair. If you were the Director of the Dixon for one day, what would be your priority?

Hardy: I would like to see the Dixon reach people in every county in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. There should be an organized effort to seek out decision makers and community leaders who can increase awareness of the Dixon, its programs, and its unique impact on people of all ages. I envision a greater presence outside Memphis with an emphasis on the gardens.

Have you had experiences with other museums from which the Dixon could benefit?

Hardy: I want to commend the great Dixon staff. Other museums would be fortunate to have such a dedicated group of professionals.

As you reflect on the future of the Dixon, what are your hopes?

Ainslie: I hope to see increased funding for the gardens so that the programs there can be expanded. I also hope for more investment in the purchase of works of art that can be achieved by more donations toward that goal. (Editor’s Note: Contributions to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens Endowment can be directed toward art purchase and conservation.)

Hardy: I, too, would like to see the garden program increased along with greater community involvement in the overall program.

What are your hopes for the future of Memphis?

Hardy: I hope to see the election of competent leaders who understand that the community’s position is determined by its cultural institutions. These leaders must work together to build a cohesive community centered around the advantages that a strong cultural presence can provide.

You have added a generous provision for the Dixon to your estate plan. Please explain in your own words what inspired you to make that gift.

Ainslie: Hardy and I have no children, but we do have art that we want to be available for public viewing. We want to share it with those who will appreciate and enjoy it.

Hardy: I have been blessed with a cultural background and appreciation of the arts and feel strongly that we should share the beautiful things that we have acquired. In doing so, I hope to foster interest in art, culture, and the Dixon. We believe in giving back and are confident that the Dixon leadership will be good stewards of our legacy gift.

How would you encourage other donors to make planned gifts to the Dixon?

Hardy: Come to the Dixon. Be a familiar presence. In that way you will learn that the Dixon will value the donation from your estate and use it to best serve those who want to learn and grow through exposure to art and horticulture.

Your planned gift will establish part of your legacy. Based on your personal goals and philosophy, do you have a message to share with our members and supporters?

Ainslie and Hardy: Be generous. Utilize local community foundations to guide you toward being a philanthropist. You will be surprised at what your gift can do.

Thank you, Ainslie and Hardy, for your insightful responses to our questions and for including the Dixon in your estate plan. To discover how you can help to sustain the future Dixon with an estate gift and join the Dixon Legacy Society, please contact the Office of Planned Giving at (901) 312-1243 or sjohnson@dixon.org.