In
our world of much blather and hot air, action is a lightening rod.
Linda Pace is one of those rare individuals who took a great risk
and made a true mark on the world; her actions have inspired, comforted
and educated many. Sadly, this artist, impresario and philanthropist
passed away much too early at the age of sixty-two from complications
of breast cancer on July second.
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LINDA PACE emerges from the 2005 installation
'Book Of The Dead' by HILLS SNYDER [International Artist-In-Residence
1996, 2001 and 2005]
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In
1995, at a time of great personal financial risk, Linda Pace opened
the doors
to Artpace in
San Antonio, Texas. While most art programming
tends to be self-congratulatory or designed for fundraising, Artpace
has a unique mandate: it encourages artists to make art. Today,
their artist-in-residency is considered one of the worlds finest.
With funds from the sale of the family business that made Pace Picante
Sauce, Linda Pace created an arts institution that burns brightly
and affects many. As a result, San Antonio has become an international
art center. Many Blue Chip careers have started there; Franco Mondini-Ruiz
credits Pace and her efforts for his success. Their list of past
and
present exhibition artists is impressive and extensive. (Visit artpace.org)
Most importantly and quietly, Pace fostered an enviable, tightly
knit artists community in San Antonio. She inspired and encouraged
all.
Her passing has defined her significance; artist Nate
Cassie concurs, “Linda
was a huge presence and now we all feel this sense of great loss.”
Pace was a woman of great influence, power and graciousness. “She had a
way of making people feel special,” writes Hills
Snyder in a personal tribute, “We
both believed in providence and the way in which soul cannot be reduced.”
Personally, I found Linda Pace to be courageous and a great deal of fun. Last
year, as part of a performance, I had the honor of presenting her with an award
on behalf of the Fellowship
of Fortuna. The text on the plaque says it succinctly
and completely:
“We
proudly herald Linda Pace as a Paragon of The Fine Arts. For her bold advocacy
of the contemporary fine arts, Linda Pace shall be recognized as a
Paragon, a
shining example for others to follow.
It is her clear vision that has created the Artpace mandate, which we consider
unique, brilliant and aggressive. Her dedication has turned idea into action.
Her daring has overcome the great risks of such a venture.
We celebrate the Ten Year Anniversary of Artpace. Her creation has become a
local landmark and an international beacon.
Let us raise
a toast to Linda Pace, a Paragon of the Fine Arts.”