June 16, 2009

Frank Mason passed away on June 16th, 2009. He will be remembered in our hearts and prayers. The funeral service was held on Saturday June 27th at Grace Church in New York City. Hundreds of friends, former students and family members attended the service and the lovely reception afterwards at the Salmagundi Art Club where Frank was a member for many years. For those who were unable to attend the funeral service you can download the funeral program below including a poem Frank wrote at the age of 18, which The Reverend J. Donald Waring read during the service.

We will keep this news section updated with any further information, articles and links.

Dear Friend,

Frank spent a total of seventy-two years at the Art Students League of New York. It was part of his life. He was in his world when he came to the League—reaching out to others with his same interests. Innumerable stories revolved around his years as both a student and instructor. He was deeply concerned that the League continues to thrive and offer opportunities to artists who believe they have something to say to the world and want the training that allows them to do that.

A few months before he passed away, Frank was honored to learn there was a proposal to inaugurate a
Frank Mason Fund, which would support instructor salaries. He was always on the lookout for talented artists who might be interested in teaching at the League and was aware that a secure foundation for offering good salaries to instructors is necessary in order to attract the very best in the field. Frank believed the League is the League because of its instructors.

With that thought in mind, we invite you to maintain and further the memory of Frank’s many years of devotion to his students and his art by contributing to the League’s Frank Mason Fund.

To donate online

1) Go to http://www.theartstudentsleague.org/mason_appeal2009.html

2) Click on the “Donate” button and fill out the form

3) When you reach the please review your donation screen, click on please specify any gift instructions, type in that your gift is to the “Frank Mason Fund,” and complete the transaction.

Thank you!

With warmest regards,
Anne Mason & Ira Goldberg, The Art Student's League of New York Executive Director