Trinity Columns Receive Gift from the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Foundation
The Nevelson Legacy Council is honored to announce a major gift from the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Foundation, which underwrites Nevelson Chapel’s Trinity Columns.
Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel and the late Ambassador Carl Spielvogel are some of New York City’s most dedicated cultural advocates as well as long-time friends of Louise Nevelson. Their gift, like Saint Peter’s Church and Nevelson Chapel itself, embodies a commitment to the well-being of the City: its heritage and its ongoing vitality, particularly with regard to art, music, research and public good.
“The Diamonstein-Spielvogel Foundation is pleased to support this worthy project, particularly given our long-standing, significant friendship with Louise,” says Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel. “Like so many who are drawn to New York City in search of a dynamic, creative, and vital environment, she became, herself, a true emblem of the city — sophisticated, original, imaginative, and always challenging. We hope that this year, 2022, will provide the public with ample opportunities to enjoy, in peaceful contemplation, her important masterwork.”
Louise Nevelson completed Chapel of the Good Shepherd at Saint Peter’s Church/Citigroup Center in 1977. The work is the only remaining, fully-intact environment by the artist in its original installation. The Trinity Columns are among the nine sculptural elements that constitute the full sculpture. Each of the Columns forms a triangle that measure approximately 64” long by 14” wide, and are hung beneath a skylight at the front of the Chapel. All material is wood and paint.
Now that the Columns have been reinstalled and are acclimated to the Chapel’s renovated HVAC environment, their full restoration will be completed in situ by objects conservator Martha Singer and paintings conservator Jean Dommermuth.
The Nevelson Legacy Council is leading the $5.75 million Renewing a Masterwork campaign, with more than $3 million raised to date. The Council, with Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel among its prominent members, includes other luminaries involved in Louise Nevelson’s life and career. Together, members of the Council, donors to the campaign and friends of the Chapel are raising the profile of the project and are carrying out the ambitious restoration, an expansion of programming and the establishment of endowments to ensure the Chapel’s long-term care.
“For decades, Barbaralee and Carl have been ardent champions for Nevelson,” remarks David Diamond, chair of the Nevelson Legacy Council. “Their leadership in the effort to ensure future generations can benefit from Nevelson Chapel — one of New York City’s most important yet too often overlooked gems — is both a reflection of their devotion to her as well as their devotion to the City that gave rise to her work.”
This gift from the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Foundation joins the gift of the Henry Luce Foundation as a named sponsorship donor. Persons or Foundations interested in remaining opportunities should contact us at council@nevelsonchapel.org.
Learn more about the work of the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Foundation.
The late Ambassador Carl Spielvogel and Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel.