Phyllis Kind, Influential Chicago Art Dealer Who Championed Chicago Imagism and Outsider Art, Dies at 85
Phyllis Kind, an influential art dealer from Chicago, passed away at the age of 85 in San Francisco in September 2018. Her gallery, which operated from the 1960s until the 1980s, was instrumental in promoting Chicago Imagism and Outsider art, featuring artists such as Jim Nutt, Gladys Nilsson, and Martín Ramírez. Situated opposite the Museum of Contemporary Art, it served as a vibrant meeting place for both artists and collectors. In 1975, she expanded by opening a second gallery in SoHo, New York, and in 1987, she highlighted Russian avant-garde art. Her director, William H. Bengtson, provided interest-free plans for art students. Kind's impact continues to resonate through galleries like Corbett vs Dempsey, marking her legacy in the art world.
Key facts
- Phyllis Kind died in September 2018 at age 85.
- She died in San Francisco.
- Her gallery championed Chicago Imagism and Outsider art.
- She represented artists like Jim Nutt, Gladys Nilsson, and Ed Paschke.
- She showed Outsider artist Martín Ramírez alongside Chicago artists.
- She opened a second gallery in New York's SoHo in 1975.
- Her gallery director William H. Bengtson offered interest-free payment plans.
- Her legacy influences contemporary Chicago galleries like Corbett vs Dempsey.
Entities
Artists
- Phyllis Kind
- Jim Nutt
- Gladys Nilsson
- Karl Wirsum
- Roger Brown
- Ed Paschke
- Christina Ramberg
- Ray Yoshida
- Barbara Rossi
- Art Green
- Sue Ellen Rocca
- Martín Ramírez
- Dennis Adrian
- Allan Frumkin
- Leon Golub
- June Leaf
- H.C. Westermann
- Robert Colescott
- William H. Bengtson
- Nancy Lurie
Institutions
- Phyllis Kind Gallery
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- B.C. (Bud) Holland
- Alice Adams
- Richard L. Feigen
- Corbett vs Dempsey
Locations
- Chicago
- San Francisco
- New York City
- SoHo
- United States