Thank you, Wynn.

You managed, through your intense care for people so like and unlike yourself, to do what no corporation and no government has done: you put money directly in the hands of disabled artists and athletes, thereby enabling them to makes things and do things no one else believed they could make and do--. Unlike many foundations today that support the arts, your approach was understated, and not cause for fanfare and self-celebration. It was above all, humble; and for those of us who received the benefit of your support, it was meaningful.

And it will be remembered for a very long time.

Thank you,
Joseph Grigely


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I was so sorry to hear the news about Wynn. My condolences to you and his family.
I am sure the Wynn Newhouse Awards will honor his memory and commitment to artists with disabilities.

All the best,
Soula Antoniou


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I am writing to pay tribute to a great man Wynn Newhouse. I've been in the art business 30 years and have been ostricized, made fun of, and humiliated because of my mental disability - schizophrenia. I was once told "you are crazy and I don't want you anywhere near my project." That sums up how the contemporary art world feels about people with disabilities.

In my career I've received many awards but none as important as the Wynn Newhouse Award. Wynn knew I was "schizophrenic" and gave me an award for accomplishments I have made in my art. All the other awards I received were "in spite of" my disability. His award made me feel important and accepted in a world in which I have been ostricized. The money from the award allowed me to contiue my work when I was feeling the pinch of poverty. Wynn appreciated and accepted my work as great contemporary art. He not only accepted it he embraced it.

Coming to New York to meet him was a memorable experience. I wasn't expecting someone with a disability to be the top man in the company. After I met him and saw the severity of his own disability it gave me new hope in my own life. I vowed, once again, never to stop doing my art. He made me feel like a "star" taking photographs, treating me graciously, and inviting me to his home. As I recall he even accomadated my strict diet. Wynn was a man of class and I will always remember him.

I send my deepest sympathies for the loss of a great man.

Sincerely,
Linda Carmella Sibio


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I am so very sorry to hear of Wynn's passing. The time we spent working on the grant was so wonderful and exciting. What Wynn accomplished in his life changed the world for so many other people. His enthusiasm and humor made all of us feel that so much was possible. His eye as a collector was remarkable; his dedication to the arts lead to the creation of more art.

For myself, receiving the Wynn Newhouse Award transformed my life. I have been able both to pursue projects that I could never have otherwise done, and to survive when my health has made it very difficult to support myself. I am more thankful than I can ever express for the gift of this lifeline. Wynn's grant has also meant that I can spend time helping develop the careers of other artists with disabilities, in my work as a curator. It is part of every day that I am in the studio, my classroom at the Art Institute, or at my office at Access Living.

You have my deep condolences, and deepest gratitude.

Very best regards,
Riva Lehrer


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I am so sorry to learn of Wynn's passing. We have lost a true champion. I will continue to keep Wynn in my thoughts!

Terry Karpowicz


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I first met Wynn about 5 years ago when the Wynn Newhouse Award was in the planning stage. I was one of a group of six artists with disabilities invited to talk about our own experiences as working artists and how an award could best help us. Our meetings were held at Wynn's apartment and there was artwork everywhere. Wynn gave me a tour of his collection and talked about each artist and how and why he had acquired each piece. I was so impressed - that he had backed his appreciation for art and artists by actually buying their work, and for the wide range of his tastes and interests as reflected in his selections. It was clear that each piece was personally meaningful to him and gave him great pleasure.

I was equally impressed by his desire to establish the award, and to invite our perspective as part of the process. It was great to feel respected as professional artists who faced particular challenges in building our careers, and to talk about these experiences with others who shared and understood them. We were all heartened by the potential of this award to change perceptions in the art world. Now, in light of this sad loss, the award stands as the best possible tribute to Wynn and his powerful spirit.

with my condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved him,
Laura Ferguson


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Wynn Newhouse will be remembered as an important advocate for the disabled as well as a patron of the arts. He will be greatly missed.

Sincerely,
Ralph Mindicino


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I knew Wynn when I went to Allen Stevenson School in 1967 and 1968. I was in his grade .
I remember him as one of the good guys. He was low-key, kind, and easy to get along with.
I heard of his passing recently,and was sad to hear it.
My condolences to his family and friends.
 
Bill Knapper


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My deepest condolences to Wynn's friends and family. Receiving the Wynn Newhouse Award was the highlight of my career. It was an enormous honor and wonderful experience to meet Wynn, see his personal art collection, and meet the other artists. I was struck by his generosity in opening up his apartment to strangers and his thoughtful choice in recruiting highly respected artists and curators for the jury. The Award is a source of pride for me, as I'm sure it is for the other artists as well. Thank you Wynn, and I know others will continue to be touched by all that you accomplished.

Katie Miller


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I just learned of the death of Wynn Newhouse, I am very saddened, he was a very special person, the way he gave money to artist with special needs and tried to better their lives as artists. I admired his strength. I don’t know any of his family members, but I did have the honor of meeting with Wynn in his apartment in regards to the artist grant he was formatting, G-d bless he did great work.

Robin Antar