In Light and Shadow

Those of us who have been engaged in Renewing a Masterwork—the fundraising campaign to support the restoration and conservation of Nevelson Chapel—mourn the passing of Ambassador Carl Spielvogel. As his family shared in a loving tribute published in the New York Times, Ambassador Spielvogel was, “A luminous figure, his life was filled with the best of human riches,” who leaves behind, “an adoring wife of almost 40 years, Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel, a loving family, many devoted friends around the world.” Ambassador Spielvogel was a dedicated public servant, a creative force both in his early career as a journalist and as a giant in New York’s thriving advertising industry at its height.

In a tribute to Ambassador Spielvogel, Jared R. Stahler, Senior Pastor of Saint Peter’s, writes: “It has been a great gift to come to know Carl and Barbaralee through Louise Nevelson — she had the best of friends. Beyond a personal relationship, they were and remain loyal champions of her work. Carl and Barbaralee’s leadership in the renewal of Nevelson Chapel reflects both their enduring commitment to Nevelson’s legacy and the bonds of friendship they cherished. Now with Carl’s death, this leadership also becomes a tribute to his life-long passion for cultural flourishing and the power of the arts to shape the human spirit.”

Our hearts are heavy for Barbaralee, who continues as a pivotal presence in the campaign, and offer our deepest condolences to their family.

Ambassador Carl Spielvogel and Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel (right) with Diana MacKown at the opening of Louise Nevelson Through the Lens of Diana MacKown in 2019.