L e a d e r s i n P h i l a n t h r o p y | T h e M a n d e l m a n - R i b a k F o u n d a t i o n
“Mandelman and Ribak were pioneering artists in the modernist movement in New Mexico,” explained Alexandra Benjamin, executive director of The Mandelman-Ribak Foundation. “Bea was aware of their pivotal roles and sought to find a place that could preserve and make accessible their artworks and archives. In her own mind, that place was always the University of New Mexico.” This past June, The Mandelman-Ribak Foundation gifted its collection of more than 900 Mandelman and Ribak artworks and hundreds of sketchbooks, prints, drawings and personal papers to UNM. Many of the works will enhance UNM’s art museums, providing art researchers insight into the modernist painting movement in New Mexico. Over time other artworks will be sold to bring the work of Mandelman and Ribak to museums, galleries and collectors throughout the world, with proceeds benefiting
the art programs at UNM. The MandelmanRibak archive materials have been transferred to Zimmerman Library’s Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections. Once cataloged, these materials will be accessible to the University community, citizens of New Mexico, as well as researchers and scholars worldwide. “As the beneficiary of this gift, UNM will become stewards of this collection of unique and significant artwork and archival materials. It allows us to preserve and share the immense legacy of these two important artists with others,” explained UNM Associate Provost and Distinguished Professor of History Virginia Scharff. “This wonderful gift will not only enhance our knowledge of the modernist movement, but it will also make UNM a major repository for research by artists and historians.” “UNM is honored to be the beneficiary of this treasure,” said UNM President Robert G. Frank. “This gift honors the legacy of Bea and Louis, and will continue to benefit the students and programs of UNM into the future.”
his wife, Janet Frank; UNM Associate Provost and Distinguished Professor of History Virginia Scharff with Executive Director of The Mandelman-Ribak Foundation Alexandra Benjamin; UNM Foundation Board of Trustees
Member Gus Foster, Louis Salerno, Esq. and his wife, Michelle Cook, of New York and Taos; UNM alumnus and media mogul Ed Lewis of New York with Raquel LeCesne of the UNM Foundation. All photos by Chad Gayle
Photo: Justin Locke
at the age of 85, leaving behind thousands of paintings, prints, collages and works on paper, and a legacy of passionate dedication to art.
The UNM Foundation celebrated the art of Beatrice (Bea) Mandelman during an event in New York City. Left to right: a detail of one of Bea’s paintings; UNM President Robert G. Frank with
Beatrice Mandelman and Louis Ribak create art in their Taos, N.M. studio, 1949.
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