WOODRUFF ARTS CENTER
THE ART OF GIVING BACK
Press Release
Since our establishment in 1968, the primary goal of The Woodruff Arts Center has been to continue the legacy of the Art patrons we lost in the 1962 Orly plane crash by assuring a central place for the arts in Atlanta’s future. After five decades, it’s fair to say that The Woodruff Arts Center has succeeded in achieving that goal and has not only brought great art to Atlanta but also inspired a multitude of artists and organizations to do the same. However, all of this wouldn’t have been possible without our patrons and donors who have helped us grow every step of the way.
Most recently, Atlanta-based philanthropists Doris and Shouky Shaheen have donated their entire impressionist, post-impressionist and modernist painting collection, totaling 24 artworks, to the High Museum of Art. The Shaheen gift is one of the most significant groups of European painting ever to enter the Museum’s collection since 1958. This marks the High’s first acquisition of paintings by renowned artists such as Henri Fantin-Latour, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani and Alfred Sisley.
“One of our strategic cornerstones here is Inspire,” Alvin Townley, Woodruff Arts Center Vice President of External Relationships states. “By donating these pieces to the High Museum these benefactors are sharing the inspiration and beauty of their extraordinary collection with Atlanta, and since High Museum patrons rank among the most diverse in the country, everyone in our great region will be able to enjoy their gift of art.”
With great art comes great responsibility. Although the Shaheens have a long history of philanthropic support, it takes a great deal of courage and trust to give away priceless artworks. However, the Shaheens had faith in the High Museum to preserve these artworks and showcase them. In recognition of the gift, the High will establish the Doris and Shouky Shaheen Gallery in its Stent Family Wing, where the paintings will be on view to be visually experienced by the rest of the world.
“We are exceptionally grateful for the generosity of this landmark gift,” said Rand Suffolk, Nancy and Holcombe T. Green, Jr. Director of the High. “The Shaheens’ contribution single-handedly elevates the quality of our European collection and will greatly enhance the visitor experience.”
We are honored to have a community that supports our vision at The Woodruff Art Center and hope we continue to inspire for generations to come.
AROUND THE ARTS CENTER
June 22, 2019
Friends,
This summer, the Alliance Theatre and High Museum of Art collaborate to honor illustrator Maira Kalman in a dual presentation inspired by her work. On Thursday, the world premiere of Max Makes A Million, adapted and directed by theatre artist Liz Diamond, had its world premiere on the Hertz Stage. The play – which incorporates jazz, poetry, dance, and visual art – follows Max Stravinsky, a beat-poet dog, on his quest to Paris. Showing until July 21, the production inspires its audience members to dream BIG. In conjunction, the High Museum of Art’s The Pursuit of Everything: Maira Kalman’s Books for Children provides an immersive look into Kalman’s catalog of delightful stories and illustrations – works that have warmed the hearts of its readers for the past three decades and will continue to inspire for decades to come. The exhibition is on view today until September 15.
As always, The Woodruff Arts Center is a home for arts creation and exploration. With performing and visual arts on one-campus, we offer a new level of interdisciplinary arts collaboration. In an effort to further advance the partnerships between the Arts Center and its Arts Partners, it brings me great pleasure to announce an addition to our leadership team. Please join me in welcoming our Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Administration Jyoti Rajagopal. Jyoti comes to us with experience leading complex operations like Piedmont Healthcare, and will be responsible for overseeing all IT, HR, and facilities operations of the Arts Center.
HEADLINES
Bruce Hornsby’s summer tour kicks off tomorrow. Grateful Web [gratefulweb.com]
High’s new exhibition spotlight’s Kalman’s collection. Northside Neighbor [mdjonline.com]
Immigration and dislocation are themes of a group show at the High. Atlanta Journal-Constitution [ajc.com]
This impressive oak sculpture weaves its way through the renovated Alliance Theatre. Atlanta Magazine [atlantamagzine.com]
Until next time,
Doug Shipman
AROUND THE ARTS CENTER
June 15, 2019
Friends,
What a week it’s been. Contrary to the projected forecast, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra put on an outstanding Tchaikovsky-themed concert in Piedmont Park without a drop of rain. The park’s beautiful Oak Hill was occupied by thousands of music-loving Atlantans, including their furry family members. Laughter and blankets were shared, and stomachs were filled with food truck goodies. Needless to say, I am already looking forward to next week’s Concerts in the Parks performance of Opera’s Greatest Hits. Same place (Piedmont Park’s Oak Hill), same time (Wednesday, 6:30 PM).
In house, the High Museum of Art welcomed the curational expertise of Heather Pesanti, Chief Curator and Director of Curational Affairs at The Contemporary Austin. Pesanti was accompanied on the stage of our Hill Auditorium by the High’s Wieland Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Michael Rooks. The hour-long conversation spoke on how both curators work to display new artists in exhibitions that will give them and their work the recognition they deserve. This talk was sponsored by Artadia, a not-for-profit organization that recognizes visual artists and supports them through financial awards and networking.
HEADLINES
High Museum show spotlights Maira Kalman’s playful book illustrations. Atlanta Journal-Constitution [ajc.com]
Alliance Hosts World Premiere of Maira Kalman’s MAX MAKES A MILLION. Broadway World [broadwayworld.com]
Great Regional Theatres across the US. USA Today [usatoday.com]
ASO review: Christine Goerke stands out in a masterful ‘Fidelio’. Atlanta Journal-Constitution [ajc.com]
Until next time,
Doug Shipman