Noah Purifoy Foundation Discusses Artist's Legacy and Upcoming California Arts Council Tribute
The Noah Purifoy Foundation, led by President Joseph S. Lewis III, is working to preserve the heritage of artist Noah Purifoy. Purifoy, known for his assemblage works using found materials and his connection to the 1965 Watts Rebellion, created an outdoor sculpture museum in Joshua Tree. The California Arts Council will honor him posthumously at their 50th anniversary event on April 20, 2026, in Sacramento, recognizing his 1976 appointment to the council. A 2015 exhibition at LACMA was the first major show of his work since his 2004 death. The foundation's mission and future plans were discussed in a March 2026 interview from Los Angeles.
Key facts
- Noah Purifoy (1917-2004) was an assemblage artist influential in Los Angeles art scenes
- The Noah Purifoy Foundation preserves the artist's legacy under President Joseph S. Lewis III
- California Arts Council will posthumously honor Purifoy at their 50th anniversary on April 20, 2026 in Sacramento
- Purifoy was among the original 1976 appointees to the California Arts Council
- LACMA held the first major exhibition of Purifoy's work in 2015 since his passing
Entities
Artists
- Noah Purifoy
- Ruth Asawa
Institutions
- Noah Purifoy Foundation
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
- California Arts Council
- Watts Towers Art Center
- University of California, Irvine
- Claire Trevor School of the Arts
Locations
- Los Angeles
- Joshua Tree
- Sacramento