Ms. Deson near Marfa, Texas at the Prada Marfa sculpture by Elmgreen and Dragset in 2013.
Image courtesy of Suzanne Lovell, Inc.
I was so saddened to hear of the death of my fine art mentor, Marianne Deson. She was a champion of educating young collectors to define fine art for themselves. She was incredibly dynamic and forthright with her opinions, and that well-versed voice was the opinion I loved to hear.
We had the pleasure of accompanying an MCA-sponsored trip to Marfa, Texas, the home of Donald Judd and Chinati Foundation. Marianne was the dynamic, fun-loving spirit that brought the entire trip alive! We will miss her madly and treasure the memories.
The other important Marianne moment for me personally to share is that I bought my very first piece of contemporary art from Marianne. It was a large early David Klamen, which I treasure today. He was a young enormous talent and Marianne knew how to share.
She will be sorely missed! – SL
In the mid-1960s, Ms. Deson became one of Chicago’s few female gallery owners. In her gallery on Ontario Street, she hosted Ed Paschke’s first solo show in 1970, and she was the first American dealer to show Gerhard Richter.
Always a vivacious and passionate member of the art scene, this is Ms. Deson in 2014 at an event for EXPO Chicago.
Image courtesy of Social Life Chicago