The Mansion at Strathmore has a new name after a record-breaking donation

The Mansion at Strathmore, the original venue at the North Bethesda performing arts complex, will now be known as The Trawick Mansion at Strathmore.

That’s thanks to longtime patron, donor and former Strathmore board chair Carol Trawick, who recently made the largest donation from an individual in Strathmore’s 43-year history as an arts venue, Strathmore announced Wednesday.

Trawick’s gift, of an undisclosed amount, is intended to support arts programs at the Mansion, as well as maintenance, operations and administration to sustain the building, which is used to host smaller performances, art exhibits and community gatherings, including Music in the Mansion, Artists in Residence performances and Afternoon Tea events.

“Arts have the power to challenge our minds and warm our hearts and make our spirits soar,” Trawick said in a statement. “I don’t know what could be better than to pass that love and appreciation to the next generation. The Mansion has been such a special place for our family, and I’m grateful to help preserve it for others to enjoy for years to come.”

Trawick founded The Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation with her late husband, Jim Trawick, to support arts nonprofits, as well as health and human service organizations.

The couple supported a county initiative in the late 1970s and early 1980s to establish Strathmore Hall Foundation Inc., founded to use the county-owned Strathmore mansion as a community space. She previously served on the Strathmore board as a member and chair and made donations to establish an arts education fund and invest in artists during the 2008 recession.

The Trawicks also frequented Strathmore musical performances and hosted an annual family holiday gathering in The Mansion’s Shapiro Music Room.