About MacDowell Society

About Edward MacDowell Edward Alexander MacDowell was born in New York City in 1861. He studied in Paris, Wiesbaden, and Frankfurt, and pro- duced his first mature composition, the First Modern Suite, in Zurich at the age of 21, under the patronage of Franz Liszt. He returned to America in 1888 and founded the School of Music at Columbia University in 1896, becoming its Dean. He left the school in 1904, a point which, unhappily, marked the start of his physical and mental decline. While at Columbia, he became the Director of the prestigious Mendelssohn Glee Club. During that time, he often escaped the pressures and distractions that invade creative activity by retiring to his farm near Peterborough, New Hampshire, where he worked amid the vista of rolling hills in sight of Mount Monadnock. MacDowell’s compositions reveal a broad palette of musical creativity, ranging from full-blown symphonic works, many of them incorporating “native American” themes, to piano work of deceptive simplicity. They are not simple, but rather, of great charm, and include the attractive Woodland Suite with its ever- popular “To A Wild Rose.” Even before the composer’s death in 1908, his wife, Marian, had begun the organization of the Edward MacDowell Memorial Association, to the support and enhancement of which she devoted her entire long life (she died in 1956). The Mendelssohn Glee Club had sent a gift of $30,000 for MacDowell’s care in his declining years and she utilized all her time and efforts in giving lectures and recitals to augment this nest egg. With the money realized, Mrs. MacDowell bought more land and built more studios so that others might share the inspiration her husband had experienced at Peterborough. She thought much of the plight of the artist in a land where material expansion was the kinesis, and contempt for the dreamer was ingrained.

Founding of the MacDowell Society of Cincinnati One result of Marian MacDowell’’s personal dynamism was to win the strong friendship of three Cincinnati ladies, Mrs. John J. Emery, Miss Clara Baur, and her niece, Miss Bertha Baur, the latter two being founders of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. The most important result of the enthusiasm Mrs. MacDowell generated was that Miss Clara Baur and her friends formed the organization which became MacDowell Society of Cincinnati, with its dual purpose being “to further the appreciation and creation of art, music, dance, drama, letters, architecture, paint- ing, sculpture, decorative and allied arts, for their mutual support and enhancement,” and “to foster the ideals of Edward MacDowell by contributing to the support of the Colony at Peterborough, New Hampshire.” The first meeting was held on April 30, 1913 at the Cincinnati Woman’s Club. Nearly one hundred persons attended, and effected a permanent organization. The organization was a success from the very first, and it soon became a center of cultural interest. The Cincinnati MacDowell Society has been a strong force in the life of the Queen City. Membership has always been open to those interested in artistic work, whose achievements and talents meet the requisites of the Membership Committee, and who are willing to contribute to the programs of the Society. The Cincinnati MacDowell Society also awards Artist Grants in a program initiated in 2000 by Mrs. Lorrence T. (Barbara) Kellar.

Edward MacDowell 1860-1908

MacDowell makes a place in the world for artists, because art makes the world a better place.

This year’s medal was awarded to Barbars Kellar, for receving a 2019 Regional Emmy for her CET show, “Showcase with Barbare Kellar” as well as for her service to MacDowell

Past President Janet McDaniel presented the medal to honoree Barbara Kellar with her husband Larry Kellar. The portrait was painted by Setsuko Lecroix as a personal surprise.

Marion MacDowell Because of her personal relations with the women who founded the Cincinnati Conservatory of music, the MacDowell Society of Cincinnati was formed.

Marion MacDowell 1857- 1956

About the MacDowell Society Cincinnati, celebrating 116 years

"The Cincinnati MacDowell Society is an independent organization founded in 1913, that adheres to the integrity and goals of the nationally recognized MacDowell Clubs for the support, promotion, and enhancement, of musical, visual and performing arts. …..."

Cincinnati MacDowell Society Founders April 30, 1913 Miss Bertha Baur Mrs. McLean Blair Mrs. Thomas J. Emery Albino Gorno Miss Helen Hinkle Mrs. N.D.C. Hodges Miss Isabel Hopkins Edgar Stillman Kelley L.H. Meakin Philip Ogden Mrs. A.J. Redway, Jr. Miss Dixie Selden Miss Josephine P. Simrall Mrs. Charles P. Taft Russell Wilson

In 1916, CMS began awarding the MacDowell Medal to an outstanding local artist for his or her contribution to the fine arts in the community. The medal was designed by sculptor, member and past president, Ernest Bruce Haswell.

In Memoriam 2019-2020. Mr. Donald Siekmann Mrs. Kurt (Trudie) Seybold Mr. Gerald Silvers Mr. Scot Woolley . Mary E. West John A. Ruthven

The Cincinnati MacDowell Society is an independent organization founded in 1913, that adheres to the integrity and goals of the nationally recognized MacDowell Clubs for the support, promotion, and enhancement, of musical, visual and performing arts.