Mildred Weissman: A Legacy of Art and Activism

Mildred Weissman, a distinguished advocate for women’s rights, social justice, and Jewish culture and devoted member of the Dr. Bernard Heller Museum Advisory Committee for over two decades, bequeathed twelve major fine art prints by leading 19th- and 20th-century artists to the Museum’s permanent collection. These works reflect key art movements and trends in the development of lithography and silkscreen printmaking, and are infused with her distinctive vitality as a collector. Featured artists include noted French poster artist Jules Cheret;, American Pop artists Jim Dine, James Rosenquist, and Allan D’Arcangelo, British pop artists Gerald Laing, Allen Jones, and Peter Phillips; Op artist Victor Vasarely; and post-minimalist Nancy Graves.

Mildred and her husband George Weissman, former Chairman of Lincoln Center, generously endowed the Museum’s exhibitions, publications, and programming to perpetuate its mission. She guided the Museum’s presentation of groundbreaking exhibitions featuring Israeli and American women artists exploring the art of aging, the impact of family violence, and new directions in contemporary Jewish ritual art.

A lifelong supporter of women’s rights in the arts, education, and other fields, Mildred served on the boards of the Jewish Museum and Lilith Magazine, and was a founder of US/Israel Women to Women, now part of the National Council of Jewish Women. She was also a major supporter of the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the National Women’s History Museum. She and George were strong supporters of The City University of New York, notably the Mildred and George Weissman School of Arts and Sciences and the Weissman Center for International Business at Baruch College. Mildred served on the board of The Scholarship & Welfare Fund of the Alumni Association of Hunter College, her alma mater.

Mildred and George were committed activists for civil rights. After World War II, they were required to move from their apartment for working with a group of residents who were trying to integrate Stuyvesant Town, a housing development erected for returning veterans.

Mildred passed away on February 6, 2022 at the age of 102, was pre-deceased by George, her husband of over 65 years, and is survived by their three children, artist Paul Weissman, attorney Ellen Weissman, and filmmaker Dan Weissman, and their grandson, Leo.

Mildred’s lifelong legacy of art and activism continues to be a source of inspiration.