GRACE KNOWLTON Obituary

KNOWLTON--Grace. Grace Knowlton, artist, passed away on December 4, 2020 in Old Tappan, NJ. She was 88. Ms. Knowlton was born in Buffalo, New York, to Esther Norton and June Farrar. Ms Knowlton was the youngest of three children. Her older sister, Martha Farrar, died in 2015. Her younger brother, John Farrar, survives her. Ms. Knowlton was a longtime resident of Snedens Landing in Palisades, NY. Married in 1960 to Winthrop Knowlton, the couple moved to Snedens in 1967, where they raised five children together. They divorced in 1980. Ms. Knowlton was then married briefly to Lane Slate who predeceased her. 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. A graduate of Smith College and Columbia University Teachers College, Ms. Knowlton had a successful career as an artist. She was recognized as a painter, sculptor, photographer and mixed media artist. She focused on "breaking conventional boundaries to create dialogues in line and form." Her work is in the permanent collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Brooklyn Museum, and Storm King Art Center. Ms. Knowlton will be remembered by her daughters, Eliza Oursler and Samantha Knowlton, her stepsons, Win Knowlton Jr., Christopher Knowlton, and Oliver Knowlton, her six grandchildren, and her three great-grandchildren. A memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Arts Student League of New York or to The Audubon Society.

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Published by New York Times on Dec. 15, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for GRACE KNOWLTON

10 Entries

Nanda van Ginkel

July 22, 2021

I've started painting again and I miss her, just because she would tell me... It's done. One of the other treasures she told me, Nanda you are an artist. I'll never forget my time spend with her. Big hug to the family and all the people still missing her.

bill low

December 26, 2020

Condolences to you all....we are sorry for your loss. Grace was a wonderful person and exceptional artist. My mom was one of Martha's best friends (Smith) and so it was a wonderful coincidence to meet Grace as part of an exhibition project - we held a show of her work at the Bates museum some years ago. We are fortunate to have a number of her works in the museum collection. I visited with her at Sneden's and she was so generous with her time. It was an honor to work with her and such a pleasure to get to know her.

Wendi Copeland

December 22, 2020

I met Grace a couple of times while I attended the artist residency at Vytlacil and she was always to generous with her feedback and suggestions. Wendi Copeland, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

cristina Biaggi

December 21, 2020

She was an exceptional artist with a clear vision. She could take the most mundane objects and transform them into beautiful compositions - things of beauty and intrinsic interest, She was charming, a great lady and had a killer sense of humor

Jean Graham

December 18, 2020

Grace was perfectly named, because she possessed grace in abundance. She was a wonderful teacher, allowing her students to grow not by criticizing but by quietly asking a question or making an observation that propelled the listener to see beyond the work to its possibilities and future exploration. My favorite quote from Grace: “Surprise yourself!” Her work was powerful, and it was exhilarating to see how she herself continued to keep reaching and growing artistically during the years Instudied with her at theArt Students League. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to her family; she spoke of you frequently with love and delight.

Simone Taylor

December 17, 2020

No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. However, take comfort in knowing God is with you and your family lean on him in your time of need. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.

Ray Lagstein

December 15, 2020

In the short time that I knew Grace, I was taken by her grace, warmth, humor, talent, and generosity.
It was a Monday, 2018. Grace was drawing with Pat Hickman on their usual Monday session. After teasing them about eating too many crackers and cookies, I began to observe.
I myself am a painter and at the time, I was elbows deep in the workings of figurative abstract. I watched Grace draw this amazing drawing in minutes. Mesmerized, I said, “Grace, that is such a great drawing”.
She turned to me without hesitation and said, “you like it? Take it!”
I protested a little, but I let her win.
Later, I brought her a painting of mine that she admired, but believe me,
I got the better of this exchange.
I grew to care so deeply for Grace, someone I didn’t know for long,
but I think I knew well. I will miss her.

Richard Bruce

December 15, 2020

Grace was a gifted artist and a good friend. She will be in my heart always.

Jane herold

December 15, 2020

Grace taught me to see. What greater gift could there be?
Jane Herold

Christine Hawkins

December 15, 2020

Grace was a wonderful mentor for me during my tenure as coordinator of the Picture Gallery at Augustus Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park. She was generous and gracious.

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