Frances S. Kornbluth

I just came upon this site and am moved to add something here as Frances was a dear family friend. I well recall her love of being at the piano, in the kitchen and in her studio. I am proud to tell others that she was my mentor while growing up in rural NE CT. In the late 70's and early 80's I helped her in her Thompson studio and with hanging art in a number of her exhibitions. Frances had an exacting eye joined with a strong sense of creative intuition. As I worked with her, I learned from her example. She gave me much encouragement on my path to becoming a professional creative (as well as steering me toward my BFA fine art studies at her MFA alma mater, Pratt). My mother, Sandy, was a good friend of Frances and Bud, and also big fan of Frances's art and we have a collection of her works, so I am reminded of Frances every day.
Frances was part of the generation of women artists who helped open the path for those who have come after. I am forever grateful for what she gave to me in helping me on own my path.

May her memory be for a blessing....❤

Hi Mom. Last Tuesday, I went out to Merrick to spend some time with Ben, Marlayna and Paula. Aunt Dottie had passed away. I called her "Aunt" since I knew her my whole life and you were best friends. Throughout my 18 years in Merrick, you spoke on the phone to one another certainly every day, and more often 2-3 times a day. When distance intervened you spoke at least once a week. She called you "Pants" or "Pantsy". I know she took your death very hard and five months later she has joined you. I like to think there's some way for you to be with one another now. I miss you so much mom, and so do Yvette and Arlene. Every Sunday we think to call you. I hope somehow you get the message. Jane

Many years ago, I visited Monhegan and had the privelege of meeting Frances. Her painting "Lobster Cove Lght" was hanging on the far wall of her studio. I saw it and was glued to the floor. It was so beautiful and moved me in a way I cannot describe. Frances said, "That needs to go with you." She then offered to let me buy the painting "on time." Two years later, at a few dollars a week, "Lobster Cove Light" was mine. Her generosity of spirit is something I will long remember and be grateful for. Every day when I look at her painting, I am reminded of this exceptional artist and spirited woman. She is one for the ages. Best regards to her family and friends who enriched her life as she enriched mine.

Frances had magnetic vitality and sharp honest insight. She touched me very deeply as an artist. We traded studio visits in No.Grosvenordale and Monhegan that were always fun and helpful. I will never forget her.

I just heard from my mother that Frances passed, and I'm so deeply saddened to hear the news. Frances was my father William (Bill) Davis's first cousin, but I always considered her my dear cousin, too, even though she was 50 years my senior. Her life as an artist was such an inspiration to me, and now my son is following in her footsteps--attending the High School of Art and Design this fall. RIP Frances. I love you.

Frances was always so warm and welcoming towards me. I remember the first open studio I attended at her home in CT fifteen years ago. She allowed me to look through countless draws filled with her works. I purchased two and I was hooked. I now have a collection of seven pieces, which I adore. She is a wonderful and gifted lady...

So saddened by the death of Frances, my oldest and best friend, but am also
oldest and best friend, but am also happy to know she a long and fruitfull life.
She will be remembered by the many collecters and admirers for the art she so abundently produced. She was a dedicated, hard working artist, adventurous, risk taking
In 1950, we went, together, to ore first art class. She was skeptepal about goind saying "Why am I going? I can't draw."
But, above and beyond her work, Fran was a truly fine human being and the most wonderful freind anyone could wish for.
Writing this, memories, so many, of our close relationship keep flooding in. Ther is so much we shared.
She was compassionate,ready to offer and give help, patient, supportive.
She was there for thru the worst time of my life.
I will never forget.
I am blessed to have shared some of her life.
I miss her more than I can say.
Ben joins me in sending our love and compassion to Bruce, Jan; Jane, Arlene; to the entire family.
Ben and Dorothea Hammer.

My Mom (Dotty) and Fran were best buds from the time they moved in to Merrick (both in their twenties!) and for the rest of her life. Fran was a funny lady!!!
I was good friends with Jane (daughter) growing up. I too remember Fran's parodies that she would often perform ad lib, at or away from the piano- "The Last Time I Saw Wenchaw[Park]" (to "the Last Time I Saw Paris) was a "standard. Jane and she used to do a take off of a comet commercial, "My Little Girl Loves To Scower the Sink with Comet" . There were more, but I cannot remember them. Just that she made me laugh a lot!

Over the many years we had the pleasure to visit (since the late 1990's) with Frances in her studio and enjoy both her art and the company of both her and Bud, and later visiting with her son, Bruce and his wife, Jan. All wonderful people. We will miss visiting with her and send our prayers to the family. Big hugs from Texas.

Francis was such a wonderful artist and a beautiful, kind lady. I so enjoyed visiting her studio and talking to her every summer. I know I will still feel her spirit there, and I am thankful I have some of her art.

O Frances, thank you for being you...

There are so many memories. How about the songs we made up, usually in the car, to the tunes of popular songs, most notable perhaps "The Last Time I Saw Wenshaw". Or the riotous dinners at Howard Johnsons. Mom,Dottie, and
Francis at one table having cocktails, the kids, at another table, making "mixtures". I think we were all asked to leave one evening. She was the best! Layna

Having Frances as my dear friend for forty years made me a better person. I will miss her tremendously! One comfort is that she and Morris will keep each other laughing and singing wherever their spirits may be!

Visiting with Frances was always one of the highlights of our annual trip to Monhegan Island. The island won't be the same without her artful presence and sharp wit. May she rest in peace.

I met Frances two years before Buddy passed, I was their driver for a while, then became her studio assistant and friend, to my great pleasure and joy. Frances showed me a whole new world of art and set me on a path for which I will be forever grateful. I miss her immensely, and wish I'd been able to spend more time with her this past winter. My most sincere condolences to all her family and friends who, as I, have lost something unbelievably precious.

Monhegan will not be the same without Francis. She was an
inspiration.

I met Frances close to 40 years ago. I've never met anyone like her yet. We became friends when I lived in Connecticut.She was the first person I had met for whom art was central to life itself. As she aged, her love for creating continued to blaze and she became a symbol of “ the artist” to me . She had a lust for life, for meeting people, , giving dinner parties, music, and all things artful. After I moved from CT, we would talk regularly on the phone, and she always had some new event or show or painting or collector to talk about. She was so sharp right up to the end of her life. I will miss her very much. She was so strong and alive her entire life. She was a true force of nature who I admired deeply and loved.

I will miss Francis, we met when I moved to town 38 years ago. Lots of memories.

Everything about Frances made her lovingly memorable...what an extraordinary woman...she will be greatly missed.

It was a pleasure getting to know Francis over the years during our visits to Monhegan Island. She was an inspiration to all of us!!!

A spit-fire talent and an amazing artist!
Good memories from Monhegan that will remain with me of your spirit. Travel on well, Frances!

Francis was the Great Heart of Monhegan! Her deep intelligence and creativity have inspired and mentored us all. The island's wind will always speak her voice and the breaking day, reveal her face. We acutely miss you Francis.
Terry and Dana Hilt

Frances was one of the first people we met when we moved to Thompson in 1976. We loved her from the start. I miss her already. She was a remarkable musician as well as a thoroughly committed artist whose paintings grace our lives every day.

Frances, I knew you most of my life- when I was little you called me 'little miss Monhegan'- you came to my graduate school opening and asked me if I would come and clean your house- I came over one evening and you plied me with gin and shrimp (which you forgot to cook)- I will miss our visits where you would show me all you had done that year. I cherish the pieces of work and the memories, which I can call my own.

Frances was one of the first artists I met on Monhegan 4 years ago and I've always looked forward to our visits each summer. She will be truly missed. Her enthusiasm and inspiration will continue to live on in my heart.

What a wonderful and remarkable life. I wish I could have met her.

Frances was such a lovely, lively, interesting woman. My husband and I are so grateful we had the opportunity to visit her each September while we were on Monhegan, viewing her paintings, hearing the fascinating stories that went with each, and talking about "our Connecticut." RIP, Frances.

Many memories of both Buddy and Francis, as a young boy on Monhegan. RIp..

Frances was a "Ball of Fire and Creativity. I just loved her. I will miss her a lot, but I am grateful for the time she was,present with us.

Dear friend, generous mentor. I will miss the laughs, the scrabble, the music, the lessons, your enthusiasm and energy. Rest in peace, sweet, sassy, extraordinary woman.

As one of her many admirers, I will miss the art and her music, but most of all her presence.

A wonderful woman, a great friend, an amazing artist and musician with a great wit and sense of humor! You will be missed Frances. RIP.