KATONAH, NY.- The Katonah Museum of Art announces the passing of the Museum’s beloved friend and champion, Virginia L. (Ginny) Gold. Her admirable legacy at the KMA, extending over four decades, has been a guiding force that will continue to shape the institution for decades to come.

Ginny first became involved with the KMA in 1983 and quickly immersed herself in all aspects of the institution. Her passion for the Museum is reflected through the myriad leadership roles she assumed, and especially through her stewardship as a Trustee from 1986 to 1994, and again from 2007 to 2016, after which time she was elected as a Trustee Emerita until her passing.

When Ginny put her efforts towards a goal, there was no stopping her. Across her involvement with the KMA, her commitment was accompanied by her formidable mind, admirable style, and organizational acumen. With her supportive husband Martin, the Golds were loyal and active members, generously sharing their dynamic energy, financial support, and extensive network, just what was needed to make the KMA thrive. Her participation in the KMA community fostered strong friendships that endured throughout her life. A testament to her stature as a beloved leader and friend to the Museum is exemplified by her recognition as a KMA Gala honoree in 2011.

During her first tenure on the Board, Ginny served on the Executive Committee as Board Vice President, Chair of Docent Training, Chair of the Search Committee for the KMA’s first Executive Director, Chair of Volunteers, and as a member of the Editorial Board and the Nominating Committee. She also notably served as Director of the Exhibition Department beginning at the Katonah Library and continuing through the Museum’s move to its current Jay Street location and as Co-Chair of three gala editions. Ginny took a hiatus from the Board to partner with her husband Martin on a new business venture and returned to KMA leadership in 2007. During this second Board tenure, she again served as Executive Committee Board Vice President and Co-Chair of the Executive Director Search Committee, and as a member of the Development, Exhibition, Governance, Institutional Advancement, Invitations, and Programming Committees. Additionally, she served as Chair of Crosstalk, Co-Chair of the Design Shop, and was a member of the Museum’s Advisory Council, Capital Campaign Committee, Director’s Circle, Himmel Award and Conversation Committee, and the Overseers, among many other supporting positions.

In addition to her central role in the governance of the KMA, Ginny served as Project Director for the 1986 exhibition Sophisticated Silhouettes: The Shape of Fashion 1910-1960, Do You See What I See? in 1990, and Technological Muse in 1990. She was also a captivating docent who charmed young school groups during their visits to the Museum.

Alongside the KMA, Ginny has served on the Boards of the Jacob Burns Film Center, the Westchester Arts Council, and the Westchester Community College Foundation.

Ginny’s quick wit, vivacity, and generosity of spirit will be sorely missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Gold family.

Details regarding a memorial service will be shared with the community as information becomes available.

The KMA has established the Virginia L. Gold Memorial Fund to honor Ginny’s trailblazing impact on the Museum. Tributes in Ginny’s honor may be made through the KMA’s website or through Nazanine Scheuer, Director of Institutional Advancement, at nscheuer@katonahmuseum.org.