June 20–September 20, 2026

The works on paper collection at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center has been greatly enhanced by gifts from Lynn Gross Straus, Vassar class of 1946, and her husband, Philip. Over the course of more than forty years until his passing in 2004 and hers at the age of 97 in 2023, they donated a wide array of objects spanning five centuries. Among these generous donations were prints by European artists active in the early 1900s, like Käthe Kollwitz, Edvard Munch, and Emil Nolde, as well as later 20th century American figures, such as Lee Bontecou, Helen Frankenthaler, and Frank Stella.

These gifts were always intended to be used for teaching and research in order to foster deeper appreciation and understanding of the creative process and artistic imagination. Throughout her career as an ardent philanthropist, donating to Vassar and Harvard University (Philip’s alma mater) works of art and supporting various projects and initiatives, Lynn was a tireless champion of education—from early childhood to learners of all ages. Many of the nearly fifty works she gave will be on view together for the first time.

A Living Legacy: Gifts from Lynn Gross Straus is generously supported by the Evelyn B. Metzger Exhibition Fund.