Arlene Raven

I was so saddened to hear of Arlene's passing. I remember with fondness our days at Hood and our adventures in D.C. What a lovely friend she was. My sincerest condolences to Mr and Mrs Rubin and all her family.

Arlene and I met when I was a student of her's at Parsons in 1999. Being in her class changed my life. Knowing her changed my life. Arlene was one-of-a-kind, a true original, and a true innovator. For the brief time we knew each other she took me under her wing a bit, and imparted so much wisdom and through her experience engaged me in such rich dialogue. Arlene challenged me to be better. To do better.
Although I write this feeling deeply saddened by such a profound loss, I know...

Reading through these lovely tributes and seeing the names of so many old friends, it occurs to me that even in death, Arlene is still bringing women together.

In the '70s, Arlene's intelligence and scholarship illuminated a whole world of art by women who had long been ignored or forgotten.
She gave us our heritage and a foundation on which to build.

As a mentor, her almost alchemical ability to combine wit, charm and chutzpah showed us how to be taken seriously by the art...

Arlene, giving, funny, insightful, smart, sexy, lovely flower; enriched many lives, I can hear her laugh her voice, the voice that serves history. She leaves us better people, our hearts larger, and our minds stretched.

In the sevenies, my sister Hannah Wilke asked me to contact her friend Arlene here in LA. After Hannah's death I worked with Arlene on her essay for a catalog of Hannah's work. We talked together about sisterhood and the fact that Hannah's real name was also Arlene and about how much we loved our biological sisters as well as our sisters in the movement.
I'm grateful for the brief contact we had before you left, Arlene. My love and prayers are with you always, and with Nancy, your parents...

Thank you, Arlene, for your originality, generosity, insight,and conviction. You, Suzanne, Sheila, Ruth, and Deena were the best teachers I have ever had. You influenced my world view and my sense of self as I made the transition from child to adult. You helped me see with my own eyes and speak in my own voice. Since then, everything I have done that has contributed to the well being of others has had some of your touch. Thank you, Arlene. Nancy, Phyllis, and the rest of Arlene's family and...

If I cut and paste some words from the Old Testament, I come close to describing Arlene Raven and what she meant to me: "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies….Strength and dignity are her clothing; and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom; and the law of kindness is on her tongue…Her children rise up and call her blessed….Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all!"

At the Woman’s Building, 30 years ago, I...

The past tense does not feel right. Arlene, you are my friend, my inspiration. Your plain-speaking eloquence guides those of us whose lives you enter and change. With love . . . to you, Arlene. To Nancy and to Arlene's family, my condolences.

Arlene's voice will carry on through her writing, which was always honest, clear, and very necessary. She called our attention to the overlooked, and she left us too soon. My condolences to Nancy and her family.