Candied Apples, 1987, Wayne Thiebaud
Every Saturday as a child growing up in San Francisco, Lourdes Livingston, director of the MFA program, would visit the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park to enjoy the historic collections of works on paper from the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts. Last week, and decades later, she was appointed to its Board of Directors — the Achenbach Graphic Arts Council (AGAC).
The Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts (AFGA) at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is the most comprehensive collection of works of art on paper in the western United States. It began as the vast print and drawing collection of Mr. and Mrs. Moore Achenbach given to the City of San Francisco in 1948.
The
AFGA collection now encompasses over 80,000 prints documenting key areas of the history of printmaking from the fifteenth century to the present, as well as over 3,000 drawings, Indian miniature paintings, Japanese prints and drawings, a theater and dance collection, posters, rare books, and 19th-century photography. The collection also includes the Anderson Collection of Graphic Art, as well as the Reva and David Logan Collection of Illustrated Books. In addition, the AFGA is home to the Crown Point Press Archive and the complete graphic archives of the California artists Ed Ruscha and William T. Wiley.
- The Shell (Conus Marmoreus), 1650, Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn
Lourdes has been influenced by the work and people of the AFGA most of her life. Early in her career as a staff artist at the San Francisco Chronicle, her very close friend, the late Walter Landor, introduced her to the current Curator Emeritus, Robert Johnson.
“Robert reviewed my portfolio and he gave me the very constructive criticism that I should care more about the materials I use in my work. At that time I was working in magic markers on newsprint, for example, and Robert alerted to me that the alcohol in the markers would eventually disintegrate the art. This was great feedback as ever since, I have been using one hundred percent rag paper and quality media. When I generate artwork digitally, acid free paper is used for print outs. My use of the best materials is heartening now when I see, well, my older works beginning to disintegrate.”
Fuji in Clear Weather, ca. 1831-1834, Katsushika Hokusai
Members of the AGAC enjoy a common interest in prints, drawings, photographs, and artist books. An extensive graphics reference library and computerized collection database, including digitized images, are available to members by appointment.
“It’s thrilling to see rare artwork up close like a series of original Rembrandt sketches or a quick watercolor study by Winslow Homer, for example. What we all have in common as members of the AGAC is an appreciation for excellent works on paper.”
The AGAC provides financial support assisting the AFGA with new acquisitions for the Museum collection, sponsorship of graduate student fellowships, publishing of exhibition catalogues, and special events.
“The AGAC conducts a number of artists lectures, visits to private collections, and Robert Johnson’s Connoisseurship courses are invaluable to both seasoned and new collectors. Also the courses are intimate as there are a limited number of people and affordable; you receive a lot of value for the cost.”
One of Lourdes favorite events is The Collector’s Circle Show and Tell where all members can share the pieces they have collected in the prior year.
Lourdes Livingston
“I can’t wait to share my Bill Cone pastel of the Emeryville Freeway; he’s a production designer at Pixar, most recently for the movie CARS, and also a past fellow artist at the San Francisco Chronicle. I also collect pre-19th century calligraphy, photography, prints and rock posters by Gaslight, Victor Moscoso, David Singer, Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelly and Wes Wilson.”
Lourdes cares deeply about AGAC, honored to serve on the Board to keep these important works available for future generations. She also plans collaboration with the Academy.
“The museums have provided me with inspiration and motivation through the years as I developed into an artist. It’s a good way to give back as well as to be a part of this very special community.”
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