Tribute to Don
A Tribute to Donald B. Anderson
04/06/1919 - 06/07/2020
Our foundation is deeply saddened by the passing of our Founder and President, Donald B. Anderson. Don passed peacefully in the comfort of his home, surrounded by loved ones, on June 7, 2020. It was an honor for everyone who had the opportunity to work with such a great man, who accomplished so much in his 101 years on this earth. Through his generosity, he transformed the lives of so many. His vision not only changed the lives of artists from all over the world, it created a gem in the community of Roswell, New Mexico. The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art will continue to pay homage to Don’s dream, as well as the work of all the artists who have had the privilege to utilize his “gift of time”. I know so many of us look forward to carrying on the legacy he started with the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Foundation. More than that I hope we all carry a little bit of Don with us, looking for ways to continue the display of generosity and kindness that he has shown to so many. A memorial service will be held at a later date; we will keep you informed as arrangements are being made.
Katelyn Krakauskas, Interim Executive Director
Share your messages and memories, and we’ll add them below.
PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to include photos, please send them via email to: therairfoundationorg@gmail.com
RAiR’s founder, Donald Anderson, artist, entrepreneur, builder of museums and residencies passed away surrounded by family on June 7. As we endeavor to carry his vision forward, we are guided by the tenets of his character: vigorousness of work ethic, sound principles regarding business, generosity of deed and spirit, unwillingness to quarrel or bicker and a clear eye on the future.
Thank you, Don, for the great many gifts you have bestowed upon so many. May we all receive the strength and grace to enact your vision.
Larry Bob Phillips, RAiR Program Director (RAiR 2009-10)
It has been said that there is a Hindu proverb that states, “The world has always been here; the world will always be here. Everyday babies are born and old people die. For each death there is a new soul to take its place.”
“Some baby that was born on June 7, 2020, will have awfully big shoes to fill. Thank you, Don!”
Brinkman Randle, Board Member
As some of you have already heard, Don Anderson died yesterday (Sunday, June 7, 2020) at the age of 101. Don never liked calling much attention to himself with a lot of talk, and his actions speak much louder than any words I can conjure now.
I think we all remember that period in our lives when we first encountered Don, knowing now the huge role it would play in our becoming who we are today. When I first saw him in 1986, I took him for some kind of down and out vagrant and nearly ordered him off the place over at Berrendo Road. I reconsidered when he fetched a rake from the shed, and I took him to be a lowly gardener. Probably some poor soul who works for the guy who funds this joint, I remember thinking. A week later at a swanky cocktail party, I was introduced to the man who would become the most influential person in my life. I think he said about three words to me while I was still trying to figure out why he looked so familiar.
Like many of us, I found Don to be a man of few words with an eye for the surreal, the provocative and the monumental in the art he surrounded himself with. By anyone’s standards, he had an exceedingly full life. Something he gladly conceded with an amazed grin.
It just seems like people from that Greatest Generation managed to pack a lot into their lives, and Don was no exception: artist, engineer, WWII Naval officer, oilman, world traveler, philanthropist, and founder and supporter of just about every art related institution hereabouts. His was a generation where those who had much, had much to give. I don’t want to suggest that he was some kind of idealistic do-gooder. Don did what he did because he wanted to do it. He never wanted to be thanked because he knew he was merely doing his own thing. We were all just part of the process. This doesn’t mean we weren’t grateful. But we spared him all that for his sake. I think he preferred the frank and sometimes outrageous camaraderie of his fellow artists, back when artists were a wee bit more eccentric than we can manage today.
Don wouldn’t have wanted the party or anything else to end on his account, and nor will it. But someday, when we can all once again mingle with some liquid refreshments and our spirits are high, hoist a beverage and say to yourself, “Thanks Don, this one’s for you.”
Stephen Fleming, Former Director, RAiR Program, 1994-2019 (RAiR 1986-87)
Thank you, Don, for creating RAiR and AMoCA, for hiring me to be part of this amazing program for all these years, for your little half-waves and grin as you'd leave for lunch each day and pass through my office (but only after I caught you with my sing-songy 'have a nice lunch' greeting), for your tremendous generosity, for what you've done for the whole community of Roswell through your support of other artistic endeavors and institutions.... What an honor it is to be part of your world!!!
Nancy Fleming, AMoCA Director
I unreasonably hoped Don would live forever. But I'm still putting him in the Immortals category. He will be missed and remembered as one of those rare human beings who remind us that boundaries are made to be broken.
Laurel Farrin (RAiR 1996-97)
Don was a person who’s positive influence was felt by so many. My stay on the compound and having the privilege of meeting and knowing Don has influenced my life as a painter but most importantly as a fellow human being.
David Hollowell (RAiR 1981-82)
Remembering Don and his generous spirit. A real bon vivant! Sending love to Sally and all the crew at RAIR. Much love.
Alison Saar (RAiR 1985-86)
I first met Donald Anderson in I think it was October, 67'...might have been Nov....I was flown down to talk about what he might do in the way of helping artists. So after an hour of yakking about a metal-casting foundry, (which got too peculiar)...I said stone lithography was a really nice idea if it could be done, and so that's how that got started...in December. So I was here for a year...12/67 to 12/68, ( printing for myself) and a bunch of others. [Leo goes on from there, and he gets a bit much, so we stopped him, ed.] Anyway Donald was just about the most influential person in my development, (such as it has been)...He stood behind me in the way of commissions of various kinds,....employed me digging.. (uranium)..flew me to Denver (where I gave some assistance, helping him load some chairs onto the plane )..But I got a free cocktail on the way back....stuff like that...Sold him some wood sculptures..( 3 or 4 as I remember) which fell apart, but he didn't ask for money back...Took his daughter out a few times…(until she told me to take a hike )...(perceptive gal)....ok I'm about done and I value the inspiration he has given me in my artwork, which has lasted all of my life, (so far) And I hope ...umm.hope he's ok now. [Mr. Leo has been continually cautioned about overuse of
parentheses, ed.} Hi Sally, see you later.
Brian Leo (RAiR 1967-68)
I am forever grateful to have known Don Anderson. I do not believe I would have had the career and life as an artist without that early support from Don. His spirit was indomitable, endlessly enthusiastic, curious, and boundlessly generous. So many of us owe so much to this wonderful man. He will be sorely missed.
Robert Jessup (RAiR 1980-81)
In the late 70's I became friends with RAIR artist Lynda Long. At the end of her "gift of time" Don asked her what she wanted for her future and she replied "I want a party at your house". And a grand party it was, if I remember correctly it - was the 70's. At one point in the evening we were sitting in one of the conversation areas and Don was talking about some prints displayed there. Very engaging conversation.
Barbara Posuniak
In 1974 I was living in North Carolina, wishing to move to New York and "make it" as an artist. A small gallery in Winston-Salem invited me to have a show. I agreed, feeling the event was small-time and insignificant. Little did I know that Donald Anderson was coming to visit his close friend, the owner of Haines Hosiery, in Winston-Salem. He saw the show and bought three pieces. The gallery later passed on who had purchased my work and sent information about the RAIR. I applied for a residency and moved to New Mexico in 1975 and never left. Don didn't require a New York exhibition record (and it turned out I didn't, either). He admired eccentricity, followed his instincts, and bought art he loved. Lucky us, to have crossed paths with a unique and generous man who lived from the heart.
Bev Magennis (RAiR 1975-76)
Your Founder and President, Don Anderson, was an inspiration to contemporary art-lovers around the world. I am so glad I was able to visit the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art in 2018 where I spent almost a whole day looking at what Don and his team created in Roswell. Since then, I have shared my memories of that visit (and many photographs of the collection) with artists both in the USA and back home here in Australia. Don's legacy is a treasure for the world.
Cheryl Hannah, Director fYREGALLERY Braidwood NSW Australia
Don Anderson was and is one of the finest persons I have ever had the privilege to know. As any one who knew him, he was unique in many ways. For someone who was incredibly successful in business he was so humble that it was startling to imagine such humility co-existing with great achievement. He also was completely accepting of all kinds of people. We all know artists can be difficult personalities and he loved them all. My admiration for Don is adoration and my wish is that more of us, including myself had his qualities. It is important to also remember his playfulness. His love of hummingbirds and landscape and flowers and whimsy and being around people and joy of life. The list goes on and on. Thank you Don for the gift of time that you gave me and hundreds of others . Thank you Don for being perfectly authentically you. What an honor to have known you. And thank you Sally for being such a loving caring wife to Him. God bless Don Anderson, who was a blessing to all who knew him.
Howard Storm (RAiR 1971-72)
Don & Sally - Reischman Park 2016
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Sally, Sarah, Anne, Dameron, the Anderson family, and RAiR Family. Although he may not be there physically, Don’s spirit and powerful legacy will endure and continue to inspire for years to come. I feel privileged to have been in Don’s orbit and to have been a beneficiary of his benevolence. His generosity and Sally’s changed my life for the better and definitely helped my artistic practice.
I am including a photo of Don and Sally from 2016 when they came to see the progress of the “Remembering Roswell” Reischman Park renovation - one of several Roswell community public art projects that I worked on and they supported. I really loved sharing the details of projects with Don because of his keen curiosity and sharp engineering/artistic mind. He may not have said much but the twinkle in his eyes spoke volumes.
Thank you, Don, thank you Sally – I am forever grateful!
Susan Wink (RAiR 1996-97)
We were honored way back in time to be invited to a dinner event at the Anderson Architectural gem. We took a tour of the Henge after the gathering and we will always remember that evening to be the most magical of our 48 years in Roswell. Adjusting a quote of R. Tagore ; we will try not to cry that his days here are over but smile that they have been. Thank you, Don and Sally.
Ivan Hall
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Don was a life changing figure for me, providing the opportunity to access residency at Roswell where I could meet and mix with great artists in the warmest of community. I shall never forget his patience and generosity which stretched to the point of teaching me how to drive a manual car. He was a great, helpful and sensible man and I join my feelings to yours in the pain of his loss.
Claire Beaulieu (RAiR 2001)
1982-83 was my grant period, spring to spring. Don and Sally had the group over for a dinner after I'd been there quite a while. The people who'd rotated in recently were new to me and I think I was getting close to my departure date. I don't recall meeting Don before that but I possibly did at one of the openings. He was still working and flying to Denver as I recall.
So my first real conversation was in their home with the fantastic art collection there. Don was so quiet that I thought he didn't like me, that I was too much of a chatty nervous Californian. Likely he was just letting me run myself out because that simply was not his style of conversation. He was so modest about everything and his is just not a common personality to find in the art world. He DID things rather than talk about them. I came to admire that more and more over time. When he began the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, I was thrilled to receive a letter asking for work. I think that's when I had finally gotten over much of my own self-consciousness and learned to see people better.
The personality shifts people have at openings were never part of Don's way. It's something we can all admire and that I hope I've learned. The artificiality and affected airs of the Art World never damaged his deep love and affection for art and imagination. I think this is visible in his work, dramatic landscapes that are QUIET. His taste in work was far from quiet though, having an incredibly broad range that was full of wild imagination. But what I've taken away from the little bit of personal contact I had with Don is that combination of the kind of slow drama that builds mountain ranges and how something that dramatic can inspire both awe and calm.
The larger influence is in what he gave us all, that Gift of Time with room to think and make in a small, complicit community. That quiet steadiness can produce dramatic and lasting results is the lesson I got from him. I see it as his legacy to us all. He followed through with his dreams for art and artists with never an ounce of self-aggrandizement. That's rare. Thank you Don. You are missed.
Susana V. Jacobson (RAiR 1982-83)
Growing up in Roswell, my first memory of Don was that he was my best friend, Julie Anderson's uncle, and I only saw him on the occasion of Anderson's family get-togethers. As I grew older, I realized all he had done to invigorate the Roswell Museum and Art Center, as well as used his every opportunity to support the community itself. I was delighted to know him better, especially as a RAiR resident, which gave me another identity with Roswell and some of my fondest memories. Don not only had a vision but a deep commitment to expanding and supporting RAiR and so many artists. I am so glad to have gotten to know him and that our life paths crossed. I send my deepest condolences to Sally, Anne and Dameron and all the members of the Anderson family.
Phillis Ideal (RAiR 1992-93)
I have heard that people speak an average of 5 billion words in their lives, of which 4 billion are useless. No doubt, Don was among those who left out the useless words. That he was a man of action - and what action! - has often been mentioned. He was also a man of craftsmanship - someone who knows how to tackle and knuckle down something. He partly carpentered the furniture for the artist-compound himself in his workshop. The bed on which I slept in Berrendo Rd. he had created with his own hands. When he found out that I was interested in larger blocks of stone, he offered me his remaining limestone blocks for carving - some of them weighed 4 tons. He grabbed them with his frontloader and set me up an outdoor workplace at La Joya Rd… Never did I meet anyone who was so committed to art and the creation of art. The way he showed his love for the artists-in-residence, for example, was to give everyone several pots of basil that he himself had sown and planted. Some of the physical labor left him without fingerprints, which surprised officials at international airports... Thank you, Don, for all the things you've done!
Maria Rucker (RAiR 1999-2000)
Don was a plainspoken man who will stand forever tall. He was a tough read and kept his own council, but the impish gleam in his eye betrayed his abiding enthusiasm and relentless curiosity. Through his vision, sterling character, and generosity to artists seeking unfettered time to work, he built an internationally recognized program and an enduring legacy. The best and only way I've ever known how to thank him is by continuing to work, building on the scope and trajectory that my time on the grant gave me. Don was solid gold, and I'm not sure they make 'em like that anymore.
Julia Couzens (RAiR 1993-94)
In 2012, Don had a show of his paintings at the Isaac's Gallery and I came down from Santa Fe to review it for THE magazine. It's another perspective about Don that many people don't focus on -- Don as an artist himself. I'm wishing Don a safe passage as he picks up his palette in the sky.
A long-time admirer of the RAIR program,
Diane Armitage
Link to review
A long life, lived with a deep and expansive view. It is hard to imagine how many people have been keenly effected by Don's generous outreach, the number is great. We were honored to have his interest and support at various times in our career. He will be missed.
Rebecca Davis (RAiR 1976) & Roger Asay
Don was a wonderful and caring artist who thought a lot about what others needed. Just knowing I had the grant kept me going long before I got to Roswell. I traded Don a big sculpture for a little painting, and it's one of my most prized possessions. Thank you, Sally, for years of loving care.
Judy Richardson (RAiR 1988-89)
I felt a kinship with Don as a human being on earth, because of his sense of awe in the presence of the forms of nature. His vast spatial landscapes were familiar yet unknowable and timeless in the mind's eye. Empathy and eternity resided there, and one felt this spirit as intimately shared.
I came to Roswell, I think, because Bruce Lowney supported my work and he felt I could maintain the Litho studio. That year helped me find my voice and begin a career, while connecting to lifelong friends. I learned from Don that one creates a community of like-minded souls through generosity and trust. Roswell feels like Home, and my love goes out to Sally, who will carry on, and be in our hearts always.
Sue Hettmansperger (RAiR 1975-76 & 1989-90)
Don Anderson created one of the most remarkable communities that I know and, like so many others, I will always remember him with the greatest admiration and with gratitude for that. Don was a visionary, a great artist, a magnanimous supporter of the arts and, in every sense of the word, an exemplary man. I count it as an enormous privilege to have known him and I am glad to know that amazing community that he created will go on for a long time into the future.
Steve Levin (RAiR 1997-98)
He did so much for so many. What a life he lived. I along with so many others are forever grateful to him for his kindness, generosity and support. Sending love to the AMoCA family.
Kelli Vance (RAiR 2008-09)
From top left to bottom right: Michael Stillion (RAiR 2008-09), Katie Labmeier, Renee van der Stelt (RAiR 2008-09), Helen McConville, Kelli Vance (RAiR 2008-09), Mimi Kato (RAiR 2008-09) and Jimmy Kuehnle.
When Wesley, our two young children and I arrived at the Berrendo Road Compound, 11:00 p.m. on a cold February night, Bill Ebie was there to greet us, help us move into the farmhouse after such a long drive. The next few days, Wesley unpacked his year’s worth of waiting painting supplies while I unpacked and settled us inside our cozy home. This was the first time in our life together that Wesley could choose his brushes, linens and oils, rather than painting with whatever supplies he might still have available in his Taos studio dugout. I reveled in a warm house, 3 bedrooms, running water, a functional kitchen and dependable household income. The seasons moved swiftly for us and Wesley produced a large body of paintings, ‘73-‘74, while we immersed ourselves in Compound life. Don’s generosity did not end when we moved from Berrendo Road into Roswell where we were to stay for 35 years. Don gave Wesley a floor of studio space downtown and, later, room for me to throw pots while the children were in school. Throughout our Roswell years, Don’s generosity never flagged for us, for so many others. He helped us create a life we could never have anticipated.
We live with this gratitude and send our love to Sally, Anne and Dameron.
Beth and Wesley Rusnell (RAiR 1973-74)
Sally and Don Anderson with Miranda Howe
We have lost an amazing soul. At 101, Donald Anderson made a tremendous impact, not only on the Roswell community as founder of the Roswell Artist-in-Residence program and the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, but in the lives of so many artists from across the globe.
My life has certainly been altered in so many positive ways in knowing Don. I feel so very blessed that he and Sally were able to come to my first gathering at my newly purchased warehouse and listen to my vision, and even ride my elevator. Then several years later I was able to exhibit Don's work in the transformed space, Bone Springs Art Space. What a gift for me!
Thank you, Don, for such a life well lived. You will be truly missed.
Miranda Howe (RAiR 2012-13)
Don Anderson, Founder and Patron of the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program (and so much more), has passed. His Museum in Roswell is one of my favorites of contemporary art, as it shows really what diversity is out there, and not the blue chip special. He was an accomplished painter, I think of his work in the vain of de Chirico, one of my favorites. His program changed my wife and my life in very real ways, all for the better. So glad I got to meet him and be a part of his wonderful creation. What a healthy vibrant community, Roswell, NM, and much due to this man's grace.
Jeff Krueger (RAiR 2016-17)
Saddened to hear that Donald Anderson, 1919-2020, founder of the Roswell Artist Residency Grant, and the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, has passed away. He made a critical difference in the lives of countless artists and their families, and he will be missed. Quiet, steadfast and passionate, Don was an accomplished painter in his own right. Many thanks to you and your generosity, your legacy lives on through us.
Scott Greene (RAiR 1996-97)
To say that Don Anderson, founder of the Roswell Artist-in-Residence program and the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art was a gift to the community is an understatement.
He was a gift to the global art world through each of his residents that had ‘the gift of time’ (one year fully funded artist residency) and went back to our homes/studios around the world with lifted wings, energy, growth & support creating a passion in our communities through the ripple of Don’s generous heart and support of each artist on the grant.
I always felt that Willard Midgette, who painted this mural (in a room, in a sculpture on his property) truly saw Don Anderson in this family portrait.
Humble or shy are not quite the right words to describe him, Don Anderson did not shout or draw attention to himself as he bestowed such generosity to each of us artist.
For his portrait to be painted in reflection always struck me as truly seeing him.
Debra Smith (RAiR 2009-10)
Roswell Daily Record | RDR Online
Spotlight: A Quiet Patron of the Arts
”Donald B. Anderson will be remembered as founding father for the arts in Roswell”
By Christina Stock
Vision Editor
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 & Part 5
Photo Courtesy of the Roswell Museum and Art Center Archive Standing: Donald B. Anderson (Volunteer Curatorial Committee) is seen here at the Circle Show at the Roswell Museum in 1954. Sitting: Artist Jozef Bakos, teacher Vera Wise, head of the Art Department at Texas Western College in El Paso, Texas.