Judith Aronson artfully gives to UM–St. Louis
Judith Aronson recalls the moment she and Adam, her late husband, became collectors of art. "We bought our first pictures on our honeymoon. They were dreadful paintings of fish floundering on a black background," she said with a laugh.
Nearly 60 years have passed since that day in Bermuda, and Aronson has gone on to become an integral participant and supporter of the St. Louis art scene. She says she loves to spend time around artists and those within the art community.
"My husband and I weren't raised around art, but we began to enjoy the museums in each city we visited, and we read and learned more about art and artists," Aronson said. "For us, art was a marriage binder. It drew us together and kept us together."
Aronson's growing interest in art led her to a 35-year career in art education. She worked for several years at Webster University in Webster Groves, Mo. While there, she developed a master's degree program in aesthetic education. As an evaluator for the National Endowment for the Arts, she worked from 1991 to 1993 on the teacher education program at the Metro Theatre Company in St. Louis. In 1993, President Clinton appointed her to a two-year term on the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.
Aronson said it's also because of art that she first became involved with the University of Missouri–St. Louis more than 15 years ago. She and Adam learned that the university needed artwork for its new Computer Center Building, which was completed in 1992.
"Not only were we happy to contribute, but we asked many of our friends to contribute pieces, as well," Aronson said. "Their response was so overwhelming, that some of the art overflowed to the library."
For many years, Aronson served as a member of the UM–St. Louis Chancellor's Council and Performing Arts Center Advisory Council. The couple also established, at UM–St. Louis, the Adam and Judith Aronson Scholarship in Art History and the Aronson Endowed Professorship in Modern and Contemporary Art History.
Glen Gentele has served as the Aronson professor since 2001. He's also the director of Laumeier Sculpture Park in Sunset Hills, Mo. Gentele described Aronson as not only an inspiring and knowledgeable benefactor, but also a close friend.
"Judy readily offers her own time and expertise, and she's highly motivated in helping many cultural organizations succeed in their mission," he said. "She's also a very warm and humorous person, and I truly value her wisdom."
UM–St. Louis Chancellor Tom George echoed Gentele's sentiments.
"Judith is a true friend to this institution," George said. "Her support has been tremendous, and her guidance, throughout her time on the Chancellor's Council, has had a lasting, wonderful impact on the campus."
Along with her involvement in several St. Louis arts and cultural institutions, Aronson continues to support public higher education.
"I give to UM–St. Louis, because the university reaches many people who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity of higher education," she said. "There are so many who don't have the chance to go to college, but it is of utmost importance because education is the best gift one can give."
© 2007 University of Missouri-St. Louis