Joseph A. Helman

For more than half a century, Joe played an important role in the world of contemporary art. Through The Helman Gallery in St. Louis and later as co-founder of Blum Helman Gallery in New York, he championed artists whose work would come to define their generation, earning the trust and friendship of artists, collectors, curators, and colleagues around the world.

Joe was known for his remarkable eye, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering integrity. He believed that collecting was about conviction rather than fashion, and a gallery should be a place where artists could build lasting careers and collectors could deepen their understanding of art. Those principles guided his work and shaped the relationships he built over six decades.

Joe will be remembered for his warmth, quiet wit, generosity, and deep love of family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Ursula; a proud father of three daughters and their husbands; a loving grandfather to five, and a loyal friend whose wisdom, kindness, and curiosity enriched the lives of everyone who knew him.

A memorial service and reception will be held at Frank E. Campbell, 1076 Madison Ave., NYC, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 11am.