Working with Eric & April provides evidence that legacy planning is best done during the full swing of an artists' life.  They had a foundation which was simply a legal mechanism to donate money.  We worked together to develop a personal mission statement, strategy and programs for the foundation - during their lives and for the use of their art and assets after their death.  Right now we are deepening the philanthropy program which Eric developed in his hometown of Phoenix, AZ and planning the expansion to other U.S. cities over time.  We are looking to secure a historic structure in downtown Sag Harbor to house a residency and their artwork to contribute to the creative community of the town.  Finally we are developing a long range plan for the use of the artwork to be held in their Foundation.  

Eliot Noyes was the first curator of Design at MoMA, first to build a Modern home in New Canaan (which then brought Marcel Breuer, Frank Lloyd Wright, Edward Durrell Stone and Philip Johnson), and a founding member of the Aspen Design Festival.  He is the father of the now over used term "design thinking" bringing design into the C-suites of IBM and Mobil Oil to name a few.  He provides a case for the legacy planning of architects and designers who have more IP than artwork. 

We are working with the family to establish an Friends of Eliot Noyes Group to purchase, restore and steward the original family home.  Lead by a newly formed group of leading advisors we will be establishing forums to continue the legacy of CEO + Design conversations and a residency for young designers.    

As the first Executive Director of the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, the challenges included transitioning the estate assets into the foundation, developing the strategy and staff to create a unique path for Artist Endowed Foundations in Rauschenberg's legacy.  As an artist known for his collaboration, global mindedness, activism, risk taking and generosity it was a thrilling legacy to develop a philanthropy program, artist residency in Captiva Florida and an exhibition slate around the world.  Too many lessons learned to capture here except to say that 7 years in this post was a challenge resulting in industry progress and impact and an honor to work within this artist's spirit.

Typically one might have built the legacy around the more recognized partner, in celebration of his industry achievement - rather this is a case of digging deeper to define both men's contributions to art and architecture and focusing on their roles as finding talent and mentoring generations of leaders.  Philip Johnson was the ultimate power broker and mentor to architects of many movements.  David Whitney as a sharp insider in the art world, identifying talent and bringing their work into key collections and museums.  Given this legacy lens, the mission of the Glass House was set and programming fostered dialogues and support for artistic explorations.  

History is finally catching up to include women artists.  Luise Kaish was both a recognized sculpture and leader in the field.  Her work is held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney and the Jewish Museum.  She held the honored post as the Department Chair of Columbia University's School of the Arts when being a female leader was rare.  Christy is advising the family to establish a Center for Luise at Syracuse; launch a new scholarly publication; and identify a key partner for her archives.