The Arts Council of Rockland is pleased to announce that Grace Knowlton, who passed away on December 4, 2020, will be recognized as the 2022 Ars Longa Honoree at this year’s Arts Awards event. Accepting the honor on her behalf will be her daughter, Eliza Oursler.
Grace Knowlton, March 15, 1932 - December 4, 2020
Grace Knowlton was born in Buffalo, New York in 1932. She was married in 1960 to Winthrop Knowlton and the two moved to Snedens Landing in 1967, where they raised five children together before divorcing in 1980. Over the years, Ms. Knowlton created an artistic community on her property, a space where potters, painters, and sculptors worked and shared their visions over tea or a meal. Ms. Knowlton was known for her creativity and generosity. She mentored many young artists drawn to her creative perspective and her thoughtful encouragement.
Ms. Knowlton was a successful painter, sculptor, photographer, and mixed media artist. She began her career as a painter, then moved on to create three dimensional spheres she called “paintings in the round.” Working in a variety of media, including clay, concrete, sheet metal and wicker, Ms. Knowlton focused on both interior and exterior space. She also delved into photography. Her fascination with white corners led her to explore the subtle tones and textures of whites. Ms. Knowlton’s mixed medium pieces gradually combined elements of drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and layered computer imagery. She focused on “breaking conventional boundaries to create dialogues in line and form.”
Ms. Knowlton held a BA degree from Smith College and a Master of Arts from Columbia University Teachers College. She had numerous solo exhibits throughout the country. Her work is in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Brooklyn Museum of Art, and Storm King Art Center.