JANE CHERMAYEFF

Thank goodness for the memories those of us who survive the person we care about have in their minds and hearts.

I taught Spanish to Jane at the Chermayeff's wonderful art-filled apartment in Manhattan. It is testament to the remarkable person that she was that a person with whom I spent probably a total of a 100 hours, if that, has remained utterly engraved not only on my memory but on my soul. I called her "la yegua", the mare, because with her abundant head of long, sun-bright hair and restless energy, she reminded me of a wild horse in motion. She was beautiful, kind, witty, appreciative, and had...

The School Art League remembers Jane with love and honor. At our 2020 (Virtual) Awards Ceremony The Jane Clark Chermayeff Design Award was presented to Neofitis Haralambou, a young artist from Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, who will be continuing his study of art and design in college. Jane's commitment to the value of art education continues and her legacy will alway live on. She was my mentor and friend for many years and I miss her very much.

Jane is in my thoughts as The School Art League celebrated its 110th Anniversary. I fondly remember her dedication to the arts and art education. She inspired students to value creativity, believe in themselves and live life to the fullest. Jane's infectious spirit, smile and wry wit will always be with me.

Dear Ivan and Sam,
Words cannot express how deeply I feel your loss. Coming to your marvelous East Side apartment early on Wednesday mornings to tutor her in Spanish ("Oh-ho-ho Dorothy! You're going to torture me in the preterit today aren't you!"), she would always have a pot of strong coffee ready, and a little copper pan of scalded milk and we would converse about grammar, about Neruda, about idioms. I always called her "la yegua" (the mare) because of her marvelous mane of hair, yes,...

I hope they're ready, wherever Jane is headed next, to think and work really hard and play even harder. I can't think of anyone I've worked with who believed more powerfully and passionately in the fundamental importance of play. Jane understood at the deepest level that play – exploration, discovery, risk, reward, challenge, mastery – is how everyone learns. Not just children, but children especially. And she never missed an opportunity to preach that gospel. Such a huge, huge loss for our...

Dear ivan,
I am so saddened to learn of Jane's death. It is very hard to believe that someone so vibrant and full of life is no longer with us. Jane was an incredible woman, someone I always admired and respected. A more gracious strong woman would be hard to find. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Jane will be greatly missed.
Nora Preusser

So sorry to hear such awful news. I have such fond memories of working for Jane some 30 years ago.

I met Jane so long ago I can't remember the dates. We were both students in a program offered by the New York Museums Collaborative and Columbia University. Classes were held at CU's Upstate Retreat Cntr., Hillhouse on the Hudson. The two of us were troublesome students who felt the program needed a bit of levity. The Museum group was made up mostly of women. Another group of business executives in a different program were mostly young men. Jane and I convinced them that they could meet...