Anne Gould Hauberg

Today I purchased a book about my hero, Anne Gould Hauberg, who is one of the most important art patrons in the Pacific Northwest.  My favorite simple quote of hers: "If you don't support the artists, you won't have them."  And also: "What would life be without the things that give beauty -- art, dance, theater, music -- the things that make life bearable?"

It is amazing how much Anne changed Seattle.  The book tells how, in the 1960s, Anne and her husband John purchased 3,000 acres of land in Stanwood, with plans to start a tree farm / ranch / community for developmentally disabled youth / vacation resort / Mark Tobey Museum / cultural center / Glass School.  People must've thought they were crazy, right?  Scattered?  As crazy and scattered as the McLeods, perhaps?  But look what grew out of it: the renowned Pilchuck School of Glass, which is what has made the Northwest world famous for art made from glass.  If Mark Tobey had taken her up on the Tobey Museum, the whole world of Northwest Art would have been different. 

I like this part:

Anne seemingly never tired of imagining the possibilities, as she broadly sowed ideas that were exploratory, connective, and fertile.  "This was one of her most persistent dreams," as Jack Lenor Larsen recognized.  "She was always talking with others about what the tree farm could be.  She was a visionary and utopian."

I was so excited to find this today, as I have been getting tired and stressed and worried about things like track lights and paint colors and bathroom tiles and curtains, as well as things like liquor licenses and cafe pastries and wifi.  If I keep my eyes on the prize, I remember that PERPETUATING BEAUTY (supporting artists, educating the public on the importance of art, and promoting / radiating beauty in LIFE) is my ultimate goal, just like it has been Anne's.

Comments

[Saskia Delores]

Lele,
Thanks for this-
I didn't realize it but we have a shared goal in this.
My goal is to become an incredibly successful artist and through that become a philanthropist for the arts, environmental restoration, and programs for children
(all perpetuators of beauty)

Beauty is not only key to survival- it's the only reason to live!

My dream is to have a hundred acres (or more) retreat/spa/school/residency program for artists
and logistics and current reality can be overwhelming sometimes so it was inspiring to hear about Anne Gould Hauberg's journey and legacy.

-Saskia (Vladimir)