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LEO RABKIN Obituary

RABKIN--Leo. Abstract artist and folk art collector Leo Rabkin died peacefully at his Chelsea home on Sunday, February 15 at the age of 95. Rabkin created colorful painted sculptures inside new and antique boxes. Throughout his long career, he described his works as nugatory divigations, wanderings of the spirit having little or no tangible value. Working with commonplace things found on city streets, he was ahead of his time and of inspiration to younger artists. Born 1919 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Rabkin spent his early life studying the violin and as a boy usher for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Early exposure to the rigors of classical music helped him to "think abstractly." He was a member of the American Abstract Artists group for more than fifty years, serving as President from 1964-78. The group honored him with a tribute exhibition in the summer of 2014. He also served for many years on the Fine Arts Federation of New York. Leo Rabkin came to New York City in 1945 after service in World War II. He earned a master's in education and guidance counseling at New York University leading to a fifteen-year position at the Livingston School for Girls on King Street. His own experience with psychoanalysis deepened his understanding of art and led to studies with William Baziotes, Hale Woodruff and Robert Inglehart. He married Dorothea Herz (see NYT obit. December 5, 2008) in 1958 and the couple created a landmark collection of American folk art. The Rabkins donated many works to the American Folk Art Museum including the iconic whirligig sculpture of Uncle Sam riding a bicycle. The High Museum of Art in Atlanta also received historic folk art from the Rabkin Collection. In 2000, the couple created the Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation to do charitable work in the arts community. He is survived by his nephew and nieces, Barry Blasberg, Gail Britt and Jill Blasberg Rosenstein, the children of his late sister, Emily Rabkin Blasberg. A memorial service will be held in the spring.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Feb. 18, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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allan daniel

February 11, 2024

an exceptional man

Irene Rousseau

February 11, 2021

I miss talking to my dear friend Leo. Many decades have passed since I first met Leo and Dorothy. I was a student at the time and became a member of the American Abstract Artists. They opened their hearts to us artists during difficult times and encouraged us to keep moving forward. They celebrated our success. Their home and studio became a meeting place for us artists of the AAA..
I will always cherish our friendship .

Rebecca Wright-Young

March 23, 2015

Leo, will truly miss seeing you - I have been your next door neighbor for over 35 years. My sons, and my deceased husband admired your strength and your dedication to your
artwork. .Your wife was a very warm person. May you continue your artwork with the "saints" .

Dale

February 25, 2015

Leo was so warm, creative and inspiring. We had our talks at the pool, coming and going the past 25+ years. He always had a smile. Truly a lovely man.

etching: Self portrait

Irwin

February 25, 2015

Leo Rabkin also taught art at Rabbi Jacob Joseph Yeshiva in the Lower East Side of Manhattan around 1950, where I was a student. Sixty-five years later, I am able to dedicate my time and energy to painting and sculpting.
Thank you, Leo Rabkin, for the part you played in my becoming who I was meant to be.

Stephen Yablon

February 24, 2015

I met Leo and his wife at the Manhattan Plaza Pool many years ago and looked forward to speaking with him every time we both swam. He was regularly there, even when he developed difficulties walking, which was inspiring to everyone else there. Leo was truly a gentleman and had a dry sense of humor. What a joy to learn about his career in art, his folk art collections, and his inside knowledge of the art world. One unique thing I loved about Leo was that he had an amazing dapper style well into his 90's! That guy could dress in a way that made most young guys look hopelessly boring and unimaginative. It was an expression of a creative and ageless mind!

Leo with Juniper

Amy Siegel-Conley

February 22, 2015

Leo was an inspiration. He lived the life of a true artist. My husband Stuart, my daughter Hannah, my dog Juniper and I spent many an afternoon in his studio enjoying Leo's wit and humor. He was engaging and delightful. His spirit will live on in his work. We will miss you, dear friend.

Alan Finkel

February 21, 2015

Always wonderful and thoughtful conversations with Leo over the years...

wahkila kadir

February 19, 2015

You was my boss but most of all we became friends, you was an amazing artist and a beautiful person. We share great time's on the weekend's, we took long walk and had great conversation..I will forever miss that..RIP..We love and miss you.. Felicia and Laka..

Leo at the gym in 2010.

Rob Wolf

February 19, 2015

Leo: We met at Manhattan Plaza, where for many years you swam nearly every weekday. You were an inspiration to everyone at the gym. We all admired you for your vitality, warmth, and commitment. Eventually we became friends outside of the gym. I marveled at your capacity to make new friends into your 90s! You were an amazing artist, a thoughtful collector, a wonderful storyteller. I'll miss you Leo, and am very grateful to have known you.

Stephen Rosenthal

February 19, 2015

A lifelong friend and fellow artist, Leo will be missed. He lived through so much of New York's history and my great regret is that never completely wrote his memoirs; we are now left with his beautiful work.

Susan Smith

February 19, 2015

My husband Stephen Rosenthal and I spent over 35 years celebrating New Years Eve with Leo and Dorothea. We miss them both terribly. Impossible to describe their love, generosity, and humor.

February 19, 2015

It was an honor and pleasure to meet Leo Rabkin this year a man of imagination, intelligence and warmth. As person and artist he made me think and he made me smile. Condolences to the many who knew and loved him.

Phillis Ideal

February 18, 2015

Leo was a lovely and insightful man who was comfortable with telling the truth

Irene Lawrence

February 18, 2015

Leo was my first and friend when I joined the AAA. I was privileged to share an exhibition with him in Providence, RI now many years ago. We share studio visits and ideas - he was a very special friend.
Irene Lawrence

Thornton Willis

February 18, 2015

Leo was a true gentleman, kind, intelligent and thoughtful. He will be missed. I send my sincerest sympathy to his wife and his large, extended family of friends.

Irene Rousseau

February 18, 2015

It was an honor to have known Leo professionally and personally. He was deeply committed to the visual arts and his studio provided us with a forum for our American Abstract Artists meetings. Our friendship lasted for many decades and I will miss him.

Stephen Westfall

February 18, 2015

Leo found greatness in humility, delicacy, patience, humor and worldliness. He's in my Pantheon as an artist and human being.

Marieken Cochius

February 18, 2015

I am very saddened to hear this. It was a privilege to get to know him. He was an amazing man, artist and collector. My warmest wishes to his family and friends.

abby drucker

February 18, 2015

Leo, you were something special! One of a kind and a beautiful artist and man. My Mom, Janet Drucker was lucky to call you a friend and a teacher for close to 70 years. My family loved your art and your whole sense of being. You will never be forgotten. Love, Abby Drucker and the whole Drucker family

Carl

February 18, 2015

Indeed a life well lived, Leo will be missed, may the love of family and friends along with prayers and your cherished memories comfort and console you at this difficult time

David Skeist

February 18, 2015

A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man and the things he cared about. He was a childhood friend of my grandmother and a beloved fixture in my family. As an artist, a spirit, and a truth-sayer, he will forever be a cherished role model. My heart is filled with love for Leo and Dorotea.

February 17, 2015

jane logemann and gerry rosen send our sympathy

Vicki Goldberg

February 17, 2015

What a wonderful man, and a wonderful artist as well. Generous, kind, enthusiastic -- I shall miss him. I feel privileged to have known him.

allan Daniel

February 17, 2015

Kendra and Allan Daniel

Stacy Hollander

February 17, 2015

leo was a dear friend both personally and professionally through his long association with and generosity to the american folk art museum. i am bereft at the loss of this talented, marvelous artist, scholar, philanthropist. cheers, leo. you are loved and missed already.

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