Deepest condolences to Joan's family.   To know her was to respect her, for her art, for her views, for the way she went about life.  May her legacy long continue.

Dear family,

Allow me to express on the part of my wife Joanne and myself our most sincere condolences for the passing of aunt Joan. She was an extraordinary woman, brilliant, talented and kind. I was reminding Fred the other day of my experience with her in Rome many years ago. The family was on an AID mission I believe and enjoyed a beautiful apartment that overlooked the Roman forum. One afternoon Joan took me out for a stroll and as we walk through the forum together she delighted me with it's history and Majesty. I guess I was around 30 years old which would date that little stroll around 45 years ago when we both had a lot more energy! Lol.

There were always be love in my heart for wife, your mother, my dear Aunt . May she rest in peace!

Love,

Stuart

Joan, an independent artist and trusted colleague, developed her approach to abstraction and non-objective imagery in painting out of the Abstract Expressionist idea of the spontaneous gesture because of its drama and immediacy. Integrating gesture and structure, bringing each painting to its implied conclusion while retaining the painting’s initial vitality and directness. 

She established Group 93 in 1990, inviting colleagues and convinced Professor Luciano Penay, who was about to retire from teaching at AU, to moderate.  He agreed if the group would adopt his approach to critique which emphasized unencumbered seeing and experimentation.  The installation of an exhibition was a lesson in how to show each unique artwork to best advantage in the context of the architecture of the gallery and the other artworks of varied subject and style so that the experience of the viewer was one of discovery.  

Joan participated in all 25 Group 93 exhibitions.  The most recent, Jamming:  Art and Music, was this past fall at the Katzen Rotunda.  Her paintings will be also be shown in the 26th exhibit at the Friendship Village Community Center,  4433 South Park Ave, Chevy Chase, MD, Jan.6-February 1, 2025.  Reception: SUN, Jan 12, 11:30-2 pm.

Joan was a wonderful person and friend.  She appreciated the art of conversation, wit and social gatherings.  She and Philip were gracious hosts.  Her friendship will be deeply missed.

Phil, NIck and Freddie,

We are so sorry for your loss!  Joan was an interesting and kind woman who i only came to know in the past 30 years in the Lewis family. She always had interesting stories to tell and opinions about  so many things we talked about.   Her life with Phil was great to hear about and all  the places they lived ,and i loved the fact she was a painter.
A full life for sure!!!
Much love to you,    Patty Lewis

This lock and key grew more important to me over the years because it was an entry into Joan's world of beautiful and intriguing creations - bright colors and unique compositions.  She would explain how she was trying to make a painting "work" and had some that she worked on over periods of time.  She taught me how to put frames on them.  Paint tubes and brushes crowded the table and easels held paintings in progress.  It was a special place and I'll always think of Joan when I see abstract works of art.

One of the best trips we ever took - to Rome, where Joan and Philip had lived for 5 years in the late 1970's.  It was great to have Joan as an art guide in the galleries.  We were at the Baths of Caracalla in this shot.

Joan's studio, a place of imagination, inspiration and creativity.  I always admired Joan's talent and the paintings that were created as a result of her vision of line, composition and color.

OBITUARIO

Joan Elaine Birnbaum

6 mayo, 1927 – 11 diciembre, 2024

Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home

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