Avis Berman research material on art and artists, 1976-2007

Collection Information

Size: 3.2 Linear feet

Summary: Avis Berman research material on art and artists measures 3.2 linear feet and dates from 1976-2007. Included are interviews conducted by Berman, correspondence, printed material, and drafts of writing for articles and essays published by Berman in preparation for various books, articles and exhibitions, magazines and museum and gallery catalog essays. Subjects include Romare Bearden, Adelyn Breeskin, Howard Chandler Christy, Chaim Gross, Geoffrey Holder and Carmen de Lavallade, Jacob Lawrence, Marisol, Mary Miss, Reuben Nakian, Maxfield Parrish, Helen Farr Sloan, John Sloan, Raphael Soyer, and others. There is a 0.8 linear foot unprocessed addition to this collection donated in 2024 that includes files on Philip Martiny, Margery Ryerson and Bill Scott containing notes, writings, interview transcripts, printed material. Files, drafts and correspondence regarding an essay Rave Reviews: 100 Years of Great American Art for the National Academy by Berman. Materials date from circa 1997-2007.

Biographical/Historical Note

Avis Berman (1949- ) is a writer, curator, and historian of American art, architecture and culture based in New York, N.Y. She holds a bachelor's degree from Bucknell University and an master's degree from Rutgers Univerisy, both in English literature. She is the author of numerous books including Rebels on Eighth Street: Juliana Force and the Whitney Museum of American Art ; James McNeill Whistler ; and Edward Hopper's New York . She was also co-author and editor of Katharine Kuh's memoir, My Love Affair with Modern Art: Behind the Scenes with a Legendary Curator . Read More

Provenance

The collection was donated incrementally by Avis Berman 1981-1993, 2021 and 2024.

Related Materials

Also in the Archives are the Avis Berman research material on Katharine Kuh, 1939-2006, research material on Julianna Force, circa 1930-2020, research material on Elie Nadelman, 2001, and an interview of Reuben Nakian conducted by Berman for the Archives Oral History Program, June 1981.

Language Note

English .