NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The College of New Rochelle announced Thursday, October 10, it has received a gift of a complete Museum Set of photographs by renowned American photographer Ansel Adams. The Museum Set — which includes 75 signed photographs — is one of only ten complete Museum Sets of Mr. Adams’ photographs in existence.
The Museum Set donated to the College is a compilation of Mr. Adams’ life work with photographs of landscapes, including his classic “Moonrise,” as well as photographs of famous American artist Georgia O’Keeffe and photographer Alfred Stieglitz. The collection was recently appraised at $2.5 million. The College will unveil 15 framed and signed photographs from the Museum Set at its Annual Gala on October 11.
This gift was made by Caryl Horwitz, a former faculty member at The College of New Rochelle who donated the collection in memory of Sister Dorothy Ann Kelly, former president of the College who died in 2009. Mrs. Horwitz served as Director of the Graduate Art Department of The College of New Rochelle for many years until retiring in 1986. Her late husband, a successful business executive and avid art collector, acquired the Museum Set in the early 1980s.
“We are thrilled to announce this major gift of photographs by Ansel Adams, one of the world’s most celebrated photographers. We are deeply grateful to Caryl Horwitz for this rare and extraordinary gift. This is a fitting tribute to Sister Dorothy Ann Kelly,” said Judith A. Huntington, President of The College of New Rochelle.
“It is a true joy and a genuine honor to have his Museum Collection added to The College of New Rochelle’s art collection. We are an extremely fortunate institution to have received such a kind gift from the Horwitz family. I look forward to displaying the entire collection in the near future,” said Katrina Rhein, Director of the Castle Gallery.
The idea for the Museum Set dates back to 1978 when Ansel Adams was approached by a gallery owner in California with the concept for what was to become the Museum Set Edition of Fine Prints. Originally, it was conceived as a master set of 2,500 prints created from 75 images selected by Mr. Adams. Although he was able to complete a substantial number of the prints, Mr. Adams died in 1984 and the project was never finished.
Plans are under way to exhibit selected prints from the collection at the College’s Castle Gallery. The Ansel Adams Museum Set adds to the College’s collection of photographs that includes works by Gordon Parks.
“It is a profound compliment that Caryl chose CNR to be the beneficiary of this extraordinary gift. There were many other institutions she could have chosen. Clearly, it is indicative of the extraordinary influence and inspiration Sr. Dorothy Ann Kelly had on so many,” said Ms. Huntington.
Great to have CNR & Iona
The two colleges in New Rochelle are so important to providing true culture and producing true role models for our young one’s to follow. Let’s keep New Rochelle moving in the right direction.