May 2021 Featured Interview
A Passion for History, Art & All that is Salmagundi
Interview with
Elizabeth Spencer
Artist & President of the Salmagundi Club
About Elizabeth:
Elizabeth Spencer is the current president of the Salmagundi Club and a practicing full-time artist. She works mostly in watercolor and oil. Elizabeth teaches painting classes at Salmagundi and at her studio in Union Square. She has been a member of Salmagundi since 2004, serving on the board and in many other leadership roles for several years before being elected president in 2019.
Elizabeth has been painting and exhibiting for over 20 years. Her education was primarily at Carnegie Mellon University, Parsons School of Design and The Art Students League, where she is a Life Member. She has studied with Max Ginsburg, Daniel Greene, Richard Pionk, Nelson Shanks, Mary Beth McKenzie, Peter Cox, Frank Arcuri, and other notable artists.
Elizabeth has been painting and exhibiting for over 20 years. Her education was primarily at Carnegie Mellon University, Parsons School of Design and The Art Students League, where she is a Life Member. She has studied with Max Ginsburg, Daniel Greene, Richard Pionk, Nelson Shanks, Mary Beth McKenzie, Peter Cox, Frank Arcuri, and other notable artists.
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About Salmagundi:
Now in its 150th year, the Salmagundi Club, a not-for-profit organization, originated in 1871 as a sketch class in Johnathan Scott Hartley's studio. Since 1917, the club has been located in a mid-nineteenth century brownstone house on 5th Avenue in Downtown Manhattan. The house was cited in 1957 for its architectural distinction by the Society of Architectural Historians and the Municipal Art Society. The Salmagundi facilities include three galleries, a library, an elegant period parlor, and a restaurant and bar with vintage pool tables. The Club owns a collection of over 1,500 works of art spanning its 150-year history and has a membership of over 1,000 artists and patrons. Through the years, the Club has been the singular gathering place for many acclaimed artists, including Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Ogden Pleisner and many others. Honorary members have included such luminaries as Sir Winston Churchill, Buckminister Fuller, Paul Cadmus, Al Hirschfeld, Thomas Hoving and Schuyler Chapin. |
The Building's Stunning Exterior at 47 Fifth Avenue
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Friedkin |
Myrna Beth Haskell, executive editor, met Elizabeth for a comprehensive tour of the Salmagundi Club on April 9th. At that time, the first of two annual art auctions to benefit the club and its programs was being held. Elizabeth's pride in the organization - its long history, the architectural beauty of the building, and the renowned artists who have graced its halls - was very apparent as she pointed out the varied and unique collections, galleries and gathering spaces.
What a Special Tour (Editor's Notes): Salmagundi adopted its present name after Washington Irving published his potpourri of wit and wisdom called "The Salmagundi Papers". The club's extensive, historic art collection is housed in a building which is also a marvelous piece of art. A visitor's first glimpse is of the main hallway and the ornate staircase leading to the library and the upper gallery. But Elizabeth, Jeff (Jeffrey Friedkin, board member), my husband, Kirk, and I headed straight to the main gallery where last-minute preparations were being made for the club's spring auction being held later that afternoon.
What a Special Tour (Editor's Notes): Salmagundi adopted its present name after Washington Irving published his potpourri of wit and wisdom called "The Salmagundi Papers". The club's extensive, historic art collection is housed in a building which is also a marvelous piece of art. A visitor's first glimpse is of the main hallway and the ornate staircase leading to the library and the upper gallery. But Elizabeth, Jeff (Jeffrey Friedkin, board member), my husband, Kirk, and I headed straight to the main gallery where last-minute preparations were being made for the club's spring auction being held later that afternoon.
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I was initially struck by the textured gray walls that framed the artwork in a unique way, the warm background allowing the works to shine. The ceiling boasts an intricate, state-of-the-art lighting system and a skylight to replace the one lost during a blizzard in the 1950s. Elizabeth said that the gallery had been renovated in 2013 and that members' input was welcomed. The main gallery restoration was truly a team effort spearheaded by Tim Newton, Claudia Seymour, and Pam Singleton with architect Lisa Easton of Easton Architects. As staff scurried to finish with the setup, Elizabeth explained, "Many of these pieces already have several bids. The auction started online, and we have the live event this afternoon." The annual auctions are Salmagundi's biggest fundraisers. Collectors and enthusiasts can find incredible deals at these auctions. We explored the parlor next. Elizabeth explained that the room had been the setting for several films as well as the Amazon series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. |
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From there, we headed downstairs, and oh, the treasures you will find! Elizabeth pointed out 'Thumb-box" originals and explained a bit about the history of this annual exhibition. Beginning in 1908, these exhibitions included small oils or en plein air studies limited in size to 16 x 20 inches. The Thumb-box refers to a portable artist’s paint box, held by the thumb, which contained a canvas or sketching board. The club’s annual exhibition has been expanded in concept to include photographs of small size. In the lower hallway, you'll also find encased steins (mugs) painted and designed by artists, auctioned originally to acquire annual funding for the library.* What is left of the original collection of painted steins is scattered throughout several rooms in the building, but I snapped a photo of two of my favorite painted lady designs. We explored the dining area and then headed over to the bar - passing two unusual, gargoyle plaster sculptures. "The same bartender worked here for 50 years," she shared. Next, Elizabeth brought us over to look at the beautifully restored vintage pool tables. Herbert Lehmann did the expert restoration work. |
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*Salmagundi's Painted Steins (mugs): In 1901 a blue mug by J. Carroll Beckwith brought one hundred and twenty-five dollars, and in I902, a mug by Genjiro Yeto - a Japanese maiden with lilies, in blue delft - sold for one hundred and five dollars. (JSTOR.org) After showing us a hidden, narrow stairwell that was used by servants when the building was a private residence, Elizabeth led the way as we climbed the grand staircase to view the Patrons' Gallery and the stunning library on the upper level. This is where we sat down to chat. I couldn't resist taking a photo of the palettes mounted above the bookcases. Artists have a personal relationship with their palettes - some of the palettes display complete paintings, while others are working palettes, many used by renowned artists. Some date back to the 19th-century, and this collection represents one of the largest collections of used artist palettes in the world. |
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You are the third female president, correct? Do you know when women first became members?
Yes, I am. My friend, Claudia Seymour [president from 2007 to 2013] was the second female president. Salmagundi was originally a male-only club, and the first women members were admitted in 1973. I think there were just one or two back then. Now, I believe we have more female members than male members. Total membership is over 1,000.
Ruth B. Reininghaus was the first female president from 1983 to 1987, and Margaret Sargent was the first female member.
Yes, I am. My friend, Claudia Seymour [president from 2007 to 2013] was the second female president. Salmagundi was originally a male-only club, and the first women members were admitted in 1973. I think there were just one or two back then. Now, I believe we have more female members than male members. Total membership is over 1,000.
Ruth B. Reininghaus was the first female president from 1983 to 1987, and Margaret Sargent was the first female member.
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“Over the last decade Elizabeth has been the heart, conscience and spirit of Salmagundi, and we would be so much less without her leadership.” ~ Jeffrey Friedkin, Salmagundi board member |
During your tenure as president, what are you most proud of?
This past year has been incredibly challenging because of the pandemic. I am most proud of the fact that almost all of our members have stayed the course and kept together for mutual support and for love of art and Salmagundi. If there is a silver lining, it is that COVID has propelled us firmly into the 21st century, perhaps faster and more firmly than we might have progressed without the need to quickly find new ways to communicate. We have welcomed Zoom into our affairs and will never look back. |
If anything, I feel there is even more camaraderie among us. It has been truly wonderful to see the faces (live) that belong with the names on our roster, even though some of these members may live thousands of miles away.
What are some interesting notable programs the club has hosted?
Some notable programs before COVID have included a delightful presentation by Master Portrait Artist and Salmagundi member John Howard Sanden about his discovery of a Norman Rockwell forgery that had hung for years in a notable museum. Another presentation by Richard Ormond about his great uncle John Singer Sargent’s charcoal portraits that were concurrently a block buster hit at the Frick Collection was also terrific.
What are some of the membership benefits?
We have some non-member shows, but mostly member-only shows. The opportunity for artist members to submit to 10 or more juried exhibitions throughout the year in this gorgeous, historic location is a big plus.
These exhibitions include the Members' Annual Exhibition, the historic Black and White Exhibition, an SCNY tradition since the 1870’s, the Holiday Thumb-Box Show and Sale, and the fundraising auctions. Elizabeth explained that many of Salmagundi's shows are now being posted to Artsy for greater exposure. Members also have private access to much of what the building has to offer, including use of the library.*
Over the years, I’ve met wonderful people here whom I now consider my friends.
*More about member benefits HERE.
What makes Salmagundi different from other art clubs?
It’s not simply a place to show your work. There’s a happy and warm atmosphere, and we appreciate what we have here. It gives us all a common cause. Members schedule private meetings here. They come to read and relax or to have dinner [due to safety precautions during the pandemic, the dining room and bar are currently closed]. It’s a special place. There is something going on in the air in this building – the history and all the events that have happened over the course of so many years is tangible.
Also, it was our honor to sponsor an incredibly moving program and donate exhibition space to veterans who are using poetry, art, music and dance in an effort to overcome PTSD.*
*The “From There To Here: Military Veterans' Experiences” exhibition at Salmagundi [which concluded on February 21, 2020] included fine art, photography, poetry and a dance performance by a member of the Exit12 Dance Company. Eligible artists of this special program are current or past members of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Reserve Corps of the U.S. Armed Forces, or the National Guard. Members of their immediate family were also eligible to present work.
Any plans for the 150th anniversary?
Right now, we are in wait and see mode. We might have something early next year.
What are some interesting notable programs the club has hosted?
Some notable programs before COVID have included a delightful presentation by Master Portrait Artist and Salmagundi member John Howard Sanden about his discovery of a Norman Rockwell forgery that had hung for years in a notable museum. Another presentation by Richard Ormond about his great uncle John Singer Sargent’s charcoal portraits that were concurrently a block buster hit at the Frick Collection was also terrific.
What are some of the membership benefits?
We have some non-member shows, but mostly member-only shows. The opportunity for artist members to submit to 10 or more juried exhibitions throughout the year in this gorgeous, historic location is a big plus.
These exhibitions include the Members' Annual Exhibition, the historic Black and White Exhibition, an SCNY tradition since the 1870’s, the Holiday Thumb-Box Show and Sale, and the fundraising auctions. Elizabeth explained that many of Salmagundi's shows are now being posted to Artsy for greater exposure. Members also have private access to much of what the building has to offer, including use of the library.*
Over the years, I’ve met wonderful people here whom I now consider my friends.
*More about member benefits HERE.
What makes Salmagundi different from other art clubs?
It’s not simply a place to show your work. There’s a happy and warm atmosphere, and we appreciate what we have here. It gives us all a common cause. Members schedule private meetings here. They come to read and relax or to have dinner [due to safety precautions during the pandemic, the dining room and bar are currently closed]. It’s a special place. There is something going on in the air in this building – the history and all the events that have happened over the course of so many years is tangible.
Also, it was our honor to sponsor an incredibly moving program and donate exhibition space to veterans who are using poetry, art, music and dance in an effort to overcome PTSD.*
*The “From There To Here: Military Veterans' Experiences” exhibition at Salmagundi [which concluded on February 21, 2020] included fine art, photography, poetry and a dance performance by a member of the Exit12 Dance Company. Eligible artists of this special program are current or past members of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Reserve Corps of the U.S. Armed Forces, or the National Guard. Members of their immediate family were also eligible to present work.
Any plans for the 150th anniversary?
Right now, we are in wait and see mode. We might have something early next year.
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I’m interested in hearing about your personal journey in the arts.
I started in watercolor. At the Art Students League, I worked in portraiture. I work only with natural pigments. Oils are luxurious and a popular medium because oils are very forgiving. I’m not a tight painter. I’m more expressive, and both watercolor and oil [suit me]. I enjoy painting still life and florals as well as cityscapes and nature en plein air. Elizabeth explained that she has taken some time off from painting due to her busy schedule at Salmagundi. I can’t wait to get back to my work. I also can’t wait to travel again for inspiration. I love to travel, and I’ve spent up to eight months out of the country in one year. I hunger to have a brush in my hand. I also love to experiment, so I'm looking forward to trying something new. I’d like to work with encaustic,* and I’d like to do collage work. I’d also love to paint natural habitats. |
Rhododendrons
Watercolor: 28 X 34 inches © Elizabeth Spencer |
Central Park, The Lake
Watercolor: 5 X 7.5 inches © Elizabeth Spencer |
I teach classes in both oil and watercolor. My favorite thing is sharing what I’ve learned about art and painting. I have a class that meets once a week, year-round, at Salmagundi, and I have weekly classes and workshops in my Union Square studio. I’ve learned that seeing someone I’m working with make a breakthrough in their art gives me more joy than if I had accomplished it myself.
*Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. Where do you find sanctuary? Within myself or when I’m painting. If I’m really upset about something, I’ve got to find my brush and just start painting. |
