Donor Spotlight - About the Lebowitz Women 

The Estelle Lebowitz and Ann Beneduce-Lebowitz Artist-in-Residence program brings a distinguished artist to campus for a year to present a solo exhibition of their artwork, give artist talks, and collaborate with Douglass students on hands-on creative projects and workshops. The program was endowed in 1999 by Professor Joel Lebowitz, Director of the Center for Mathematical Sciences Research and George William Hill Professor of Mathematics and Physics at Rutgers University, in honor of his late wives—artist Estelle Lebowitz and author and editor Ann Beneduce-Lebowitz.

Today, this residency is part of the Douglass Faculty Fellows program and is in partnership with the Art + Design Department at Mason Gross School of the Arts. You can read more about the program here. 

Read more about the Lebowitz Women and their artistic legacies below: 

Estelle Lebowitz (1930-1996) discovered her artistic talent early in life. She honed her skills at New York’s High School of Music and Art and Brooklyn College. She created vibrant, semi-abstract works inspired by nature, memory, and classical music. Her paintings reflect a unique blend of impressionist influence and personal vision, shaped by solitude and a profound inner world.
 
Ann Beneduce-Lebowitz (1918-2021) was a lifelong learner who began her studies at Bryn Mawr College and later graduated from Barnard College. A trailblazing editor and founder of Philomel Books, Beneduce helped shape the world of children’s literature through her work with iconic authors and illustrators including Eric Carle, Tasha Tudor, and Jane Yolen. Her deep passion for art, literature, and child development guided a career that brought joy and imagination to generations of young readers.

Douglass is grateful to donors like the Lebowitz family whose visionary generosity champions Douglass artists and innovators. 

Support the Center for Women in the Arts at Douglass 

Douglass students are so creative. Working with aspiring feminist artists has really been a highlight for my career.

Leah DeVun

2024-2025 Estelle Lebowitz and Ann Beneduce-Lebowitz Artist-in-Residence