From New York

A large church near here had a member who was an accomplished amateur photographer who traveled extensively for business and pleasure. He often exhibited his works in the church and upon his death, bequeathed his entire collection of about 1000 travel photos to the church. They gathered some volunteer curators who set up an area for a rotating display of the photos, which changes monthly, I believe. Could something similar work with the paintings?

From Pennsylvania

Some years ago in a Church we served. We had a "hall" named after a particular person, and we stuck...er...that is placed her....stuff....er...that is things there. Those that thought those "things" were lovely could rave about them and those who didn't, the writer included, could most of the time ignore them.
Different strokes for different folks.

From Iowa

My advice, in this particular case, is not to use all the paintings. Pick a few, three at most, and display them for a period of time, say a year. That way you are still honoring her wishes by displaying them but you are not hamstringed with the proverbial “White Elephant” over the long haul.

One thing I know a church did several years ago was enact a policy that “any gift given to the church is to be used at the leadership’s discretion.” This gives the leadership the freedom to use the money in the best interest of the church. The leadership knows best the needs of the church and should be able to use all the available resources to carry out the churches mission and plans.

The church I mentioned before was having problems with people designating money to projects the church was not even planning, in this particular case an organ fund. The organ at this particular church is still in good shape and is used very little. Someone gave a memorial gift to the church because their mother wanted to make sure, in the future, when the church needed a new organ they can get it. The church has no plans for getting a new organ. Theirs is the only money in that fund and the church board does not feel it is right to use the money any other way since it was given as a memorial. They have gone to the family and talked with them but the family says they want to honor their mother’s wishes with an organ fund. That money is still sitting there not being used for anything.

Memorial gifts are tricky. The church needs to set a policy that is useful to the church when gifts come in yet still honoring to the givers.

This one belongs to your trustees! I'm not sure what denomination you are but most churches have a Board of Trustees to accept or reject gifts. You did not mention any restrictions to the gift. We don't often reject gifts but when strings are attached we don't have to accept them. If the paintings are not suitable, for whatever reason, to display in the church, hold an auction so that those members of the congregation who love the artist may purchase a piece for their own homes and then use the money to establish a fund to do the ministry of Christ. What better way to beautify the church? Was there some particular ministry of the church this member supported? Education? Soup kitchen? Music? Ideas could include creating a children's library or a reading room.

If they are suitable to display: A few of the pieces might be suitable for a small area for quiet reflection and prayer. We have used art as a focal point for prayer. You may not like the taste of the artist/collector but as you look at various pieces some may lend themselves to contemplative prayer. A small room with a few pieces of art, a water fountain, quiet music.....maybe even a corner of the library. Are there a few that could be displayed grouped together or rotated throughout the liturgical year?

These paintings could also be a means of beginning a new ministry... a form of art therapy. Sold or viewed, they provide an invitation for others to come, look, paint and express their innermost feelings. Creating visual art is a means of expressing faith as much as liturgical dance, bells and music, gardens .... why not paint?! This gift is an invitation to think outside the box!!!