George Sugarman (1912–1999) was an Americanartist working in the mediums of drawing, painting, and sculpture. Often described as controversial and forward-thinking, Sugarman's prolific body of work defies a definitive style. He pioneered the concepts of pedestal-free sculpture and is best known for his large-scale, vividly painted metal sculptures. His innovative approach to art-making lent his work a fresh, experimental approach and caused him to continually expand his creative focus. During his lifetime, he was dedicated to the well-being of young emerging artists, particularly those who embraced innovation and risk-taking in their work. In his will, Sugarman provided for the establishment of The George Sugarman Foundation, Inc.
Foundation work
From 2001–2008, the George Sugarman Foundation awarded monetary grants to emerging visual artists who were engaged in creating new works of fine art and whose work showed promise and conceptual innovation. As of 2009, the George Sugarman Foundation, Inc. shifted its focus away from offering grants to artists in order to serve the wishes of George Sugarman through the donation of his artwork to American institutions, museums, and universities.
