Judith Richardson Silvia

Family-Placed Funeral Notice

JUDITH RICHARDSON SILVIA 63, of 25 Catherine Street, Newport, RI, died Sunday, December 28, 2003 at home. She was the wife of James M. Silvia. Born in Newport, she was the daughter of the late James H. and Marie C. Hidler. Mrs. Silvia was educated at Rogers High School, Ecole des Lettres, Sorbonne, Paris, Bennington College, and New York University School of Fine Arts. She was most recently, executive director of The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens at West Palm Beach, Florida. She had a long career in the arts being associated with the Marian Goodman Gallery, Sonnabend Gallery, Pace Gallery and Sidney Janis Gallery, all of New York. In 1975, she became the first executive director of The Newport Art Association and Museum and held that position until 1977 when she and her husband moved to Yokohama, Japan, where she became consultant to Green Collections. During her tenure at the Art Association, she mounted innovative exhibits for Newport gallery goers. Her shows there included works by Jim Dine, Robert Rauschenberg, George Segal, Andy Warhol, and many by local artists and craftsman both ancient and contemporary. Her Black and White Ball and the recreation of an 1876 Centennial Ball were memorial events. Over the years she advised and set up over 500 one man, group and thematic exhibits in this country, Europe and Japan. Her board memberships included Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, American Dance Festival, Newport Cultural Foundation, Art Now Ô75 and Art Ô76 Newport/Bermuda. She served on the advisory boards of The Redwood Library, the Newport Art Museum, Nina Lynette Home, and was president of The Star of The Sea Corporation. She was a member of HazardÕs Beach, The Preservation Society of Newport County, Redwood Library, and the Newport Art Museum. Arrangements were made by OÕNeill-Hayes Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at a future date. Mrs. Silvia was the last of the line of Hidlers who colonized Pennsylvania in the 17th Century. Donations may be made to The Redwood Library, Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI 02840. To view and sign this Guest Book online Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries