The Painting Center is pleased to p resent American Abstract Artists: Tribute to Esphyr Slobodkina. This exhibition of small works pays tribute to one of the founding members of the American Abstract Artists (AAA). In addition to work by Esphyr Slobodkina, the exhibition will feature 75 current members of the organization as well as ephemera representing some of the group?s past history. Works displayed will cover a range of mediums, including painting, drawing, watercolor, and sculpture.

Esphyr Slobodkina (1908 ? 2002), along with her then-husband Ilya Bolotowsky, was one of the original members of the AAA. She was the organization?s first secretary and later served as president and treasurer, as well as its bibliographer. She remained a lifelong active member of the group, participating in many exhibitions and contributing to print portfolios. A prolific painter, graphic artist and children?s book writer, Esphyr made a significant contribution to the AAA and to the history of American art in general.

From its inception in 1936 American Abstract A rtists has been dedicated to promoting the exposure and understanding of abstract and non-objective art. Through its various public programs over the past seventy years – organizing exhibitions, producing print portfolios and catalogues, distributing published materials to cultural organizations worldwide, documenting history in the Archives of American Art, hosting numerous critical panels and symposia and publishing a journal every three years – the AAA has remained a vital a nd democratic force in the history of art in our country.