How did a suburban housewife become a major art collector? Judy Goffman Cutler’s memoir tells the inspiring story how one woman transformed a modest home decorating project into a multi-million dollar business.
The art market Judy helped to create revived the reputation of America’s most popular painter, Norman Rockwell. She also moved other great artists from the flea market to the auction floor and the museum walls. J.C. Leyendecker, Maxfield Parrish, Howard Pyle and others, once household names, had been all but consigned to the dustbin. Now their works command staggering prices, thanks in no small part to Judy’s efforts.
This former middle school teacher became one of the foremost experts on American illustration. She assembled her own priceless collection, now on display in a museum she founded in one of Newport’s Gilded Age mansions. She also helped celebrity clients like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Whoopi Goldberg and others build their collections.
It wasn’t a straight shot to success. Judy’s life work began as a side hustle to provide for her family. She faced plenty of setbacks along the way, including the murder of her mother, a bitter divorce, and conflicts with unscrupulous hustlers and hidebound snobs.
Her story is all about one woman’s triumph in a field dominated by men. It’s a story about art appreciation, how America itself has changed in the years since these painters created their masterpieces, changed even since the 1970’s when Judy began her second career as an art dealer. Finally, it’s a story with pictures, iconic illustrations that found new life because she helped the art world recognize their enduring value.
Thursday, July 23rd
Lecture and Book Signing
6:00 pm
$25
To Purchase Tickets Click Here
