American artist (1923–2013)
Fred Mitchell |
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| Born | Madison Fred Mitchell
(1923-11-24)November 24, 1923
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| Died | May 21, 2013(2013-05-21) (aged 89)
New York City |
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| Nationality | American |
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| Known for | Painting |
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| Movement | Abstract expressionism |
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Madison Fred Mitchell (November 24, 1923 – May 21, 2013) belonged to the New York School Abstract Expressionist artists whose influence and artistic innovation by the 1950s had been recognized around the world. New York School Abstract Expressionism, represented by Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline and others became a leading art movement of the post-World War II era.
Biography
Fred Mitchell was born November 24, 1923, in Meridian, Mississippi.[1] Following graduation from Meridian High School, Mitchell attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University), until his studies were interrupted by military duty. After serving in the Army, Mitchell enrolled in the Cranbrook Academy of Art, where he eventually received his M.F.A.[2]
He died New York City on May 21, 2013.
Participation in the Downtown Art Scene
In 1947 Mitchell was the winner of Pepsi Cola cash award of $1,500; He sailed to Rome. During his visit to Rome he met painters John Heliker, Afro (Basadella), and Philip Guston, who had major influence on his work. Returning to the US, in 1951 Mitchell moved to New York City and became one of the first painters to open a painting studio in the downtown seaport area along the East River known as Coenties Slip (Manhattan). He soon joined the "Downtown Group"[3] which represented a group of artists who found studios in lower Manhattan. In 1952 Mitchell, Angelo Ippolito, Lois Dodd, Charles Cajori and William King organized the Tanager Gallery,[4] which belonged to the Tenth Street galleries. His friend Philip Pavia introduced Mitchell to 'The Club'.[5]
Teaching positions
Mitchell was also a highly regarded teacher:
- 1952–1954: Drawing and Painting, Neighborhood House, Riverdale. NY
- 1954: Finch College, NY; Founded Coenties Slip (Manhattan) School of Art
- 1956: Positano Art Workshop. Positano, Italy
- 1955–1959: Cranbrook Academy of Arts, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
- 1961–1968: Downtown Art Center, Seamens Church Institute, Coenties Slip (Manhattan), NY
- 1961–1971: New York University
- 1968–1969: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
- 1973–1974: Queens College, CUNY
- 1975–1980: Southern Tip School of Art, South Street Seaport, NY
- 1979–1983: Parsons School of Design Master of Fine Arts program, NY
- 1985–2003: Art Students League of New York;[6]
- 1986–2000: Kingsborough Community College, City University, NY
