Life at The Saugatuck is great for Kate O’Toole.
The 84-year-old artist moved from Riverdale to the age-restricted co-op on Bridge Street in 2017, after her husband died. Her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren live nearby.
Kate’s apartment is beautiful. Her neighbors are wonderful.
Just one thing: There is not enough room to display all her art.
Kate O’Toole, in her apartment at The Saugatuck.
Kate is a professional artist. She studied painting and design at Carnegie Mellon University, then got her master’s at Brooklyn College.
Her husband Robert Rabinowitz taught at Carnegie Mellon and New York University, and did theater. He co-wrote the book for, and designed, “Beatlemania.”
Kate and Robert frequently exhibited at New York galleries.
One of Kate O’Toole’s works …
When she downsized to Westport, Kate put 50 years of the couple’s paintings and other works into storage.
That was 6 years ago. It’s getting expensive. And, she realizes, a Norwalk storage unit is not the place for art.
Slowly, she is bringing pieces to her Westport apartment. She’s trying to see what fits, and what she must get rid of.
It is, Kate says, “a daunting challenge.”
… and another.
Her neighbors at The Saugatuck have encouraged her to donate some pieces to the co-op. A few of the bigger ones are now displayed in the common room and hallways.
But she does not know what to do with others. Hundreds of her husband’s pastels are in portfolios. Many of hers are in rolls. All are hard to frame.
Every day she opens more boxes, to see what she has.
And, she wonders, “What am I going to do with them all?”
She ran a gallery in New York. She knows how hard it is to sell unframed works.
One of Robert Rabinowitz’s works …
It is a difficult, emotional challenge. Perhaps, I suggested, “06880” could help.
I don’t live in the art world. But many of our readers do.
So here’s the ask: If you know how or where Kate O’Toole can find a home for some or all of her and her husband’s works, click “Comments” below.
Be creative — just like she is. All ideas are welcome.
Let’s prove that Westport is still the artists’ town we claim it is.
(Hat tip: Ilene Strizver)
(“06880” covers the art scene — and everything else Westport-related. To support our local journalism, please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)
… and another.
Maybe she could donate some to the Westport public school collection
Love what I am seeing- would she consider selling direct?
These pieces are beautiful. I would love to store some on my empty walls, and possibly purchasing if she is interested in selling. I also suggest donating or lending them to the public schools, the kids and staff would really love them.
I love what I have seen. These pieces of art are beautiful and they have a heart felt story of a local couple who have devoted their lives to making these pieces. I would be honored to purchase a piece. I also agree with the above comments, donating and selling might be helpful. I would be interested in helping as well as other locals might be interested in creating a small group to find new homes for these pieces. Moving a love one, and downsizing is a daunting and difficult transition. I feel like this is what my life has been like these last few years.
WESTPAC
https://www.westportct.gov/government/appointed-boards-a-z/westpac-westport-public-arts-collection-committee
I love what I’ve seen of Kate’s work! The Saugatuck Co-Op is lucky to have some of her work displayed there. My Dad lived there for a time several years ago and the paintings must go so well with the architecture. I sat many times in the back lobby and hope one is hung there!
Maybe consider using a piece or two for “Art on a Cart” at the schools as it would be a good way to discuss technique and style as well as artist motivation and local history.
As a former Westport neighbor and Brooklyn resident, I would love to consider purchasing a piece! Please let us know if there is a way to view and purchase .
Maybe she could have a booth at Craft Westport? I would love to see more of her work & possibly purchase!
Spectacular work Kate! I do hope these find homes..great post Dan.
The artwork looks awesome and the talent unquestioned. Such beautiful work is meant to be seen and shared. If money is not an issue, I would suggest a philanthropic approach by donating to favorite charities for use in fundraising auctions
Or to adorn walls in their buildings—0r in homes housing the elderly, veterans, or disabled. Spread the joy or give all to one who can commit to turning them into good for the community. If money is needed, perhaps work with a gallery or enter an art show (like Westport Women’s Club)and sell on consignment. Or, contact Miggs Burroughs! I don’t think there is anyone in Westport more committed to art in the community than Miggs for expertise and advice.
Finally, if philanthropy is the route, STAR,Inc would love some pieces for our group homes and for our fundraising auction.we have been serving our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Westport and surrounding towns since 1952. http://Www.starct.org
The Westport Public Community Arts Committee can accept art pieces for the Public Schools and other public buildings in Westport, I believe. This way, all can admire these wonderful works
Dan, please do let us know if there is an opportunity to purchase some of these – those which won’t be donated. Beautiful! And for donating unframed work, my daughter in law took an art framing course in Baltimore; I wonder if there is something similar in our school system, or Continuing Ed, or elsewhere where individuals could volunteer to frame some of the pieces for WESTPAC.
Your art work is stunning Kate! They would also cheer up our post offices in town and be seen by so many!
I love the idea of an honorary booth at the Westport craft fair. Her work is gorgeous should be shared with the world …donation there are so many organizations like the current one @ Mitchells is doing a Pink Aid Fundraiser right here in Westport for breast cancer awareness is even a better idea…. there are so many organizations right in our own town that would love her art…
“06880” to the rescue! Something will come from all of these interested readers. Thanks to Dan Woog once again for sharing these interesting stories.
Could be a treat to organize a show and perhaps sell some works to local admirers and help raise some funds to offset her expenses. And Kathie Bennewitz might a great resource.
I’d like to buy one. Contact me if possible.
I would be interested in buying one or two! They look beautiful!!!
I’ve got some art clients who are purchasing work I can try to sell them they look great