Natahaniel Kaz, New York Times Obituary on Dec. 26, 2010 read:
“Nathaniel Kaz. March 9, 1917- December 13, 2010. Nathaniel Kaz lived and breathed art; it was the essence of his being and the power behind his great love of life. He defied trends and was steadfast in his beliefs.
His sculpture is both original and timeless. In 1998 "Mother Earth," a 1935 marble sculpture created by Kaz when he was 18, was exhibited in "The Human Figure in Transition 1900-1945, American Sculpture from the Museum's Collection" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.
He is one of the best known and respected American figurative sculptors of the 20th Century, with a lifetime of accolades and awards including, most recently in 2006, the National Sculpture Society's Gold Medal and Maurice B. Hexter Prize at the 73rd Annual Exhibition at the Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield, CT and Brookgreen Gardens, SC. In the same year, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Sculpture Award by Westchester County and the Sculptors' Guild at "The Sculpture Forum on the Plaza" exhibition in White Plains, NY.
In addition to his prolific career as a sculptor, he was an instructor at the Art Students League for more than 50 years.
He leaves a legacy of enduring work in stone, wood and bronze that is testament to his immortal spirit. Today, his art is well represented in countless private collections and museums both here and abroad.
His commissioned works for public buildings, such as "Growth" on the facade of Public School #59 in Brooklyn, have visually enriched their environments for over 50 years.
Nathaniel is survived by his wife, Delfina Nahrgang-Kaz, his daughter Naomi Gaskin of New York, his son Eric Kaz of Los Angeles, and three grandchildren, Alfredo Gaskin, Nina Gage, and Sara Kaz. A Memorial Service will be held at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 West 76th Street at Amsterdam Avenue, New York City, on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 6:00pm.” |
