It is with deep sadness that Arts|Learning learned of the passing of our Board Trustee and Treasurer, Lynn Sunshine Feldman, on July 29, 2016. As Her husband Jerry stated, “Her middle name said it all, and it was so appropriate, because she was a ray of light to everyone she touched… Lynnie was the president of the ‘half-glass full club,’ and this basic attitude guided everything she did… The world was a richer place with Lynn Sunshine in it, and we all lost someone very special… I know for me, I was touched by an angel.”
Arts|Learning’s board president, Charles Combs stated that “It’s sad news, indeed, that we have lost our loving, giving, and creative Board member, Lynn Feldman.” A|L Board Secretary Cory Shepherd said, “Lynn was such a leader, a behind-the-scene tireless doer, and a loving friend to us all… Lynn will always be a shining example of how I yearn to live fully, in the moment and yet grounded with rock-solid principles. She was open and accessible, yet deep and mysterious, and I will spend a lifetime enjoying the memories we made together and the lessons she left for us.”
Lynn Feldman attended Queens College earning a B.S. in early education and fine arts, and then she taught kindergarten, 2nd grade and was an Assistant Principal in Spanish Harlem. While continuing to teach, she received her Master’s in Elementary Education at Hunter College, and then studied fine arts at Cooper Union School of Art and Architecture. Through lifelong learning, she became a master calligrapher and visual artist, comfortable in such diverse media as painting, bookmaking, fiber arts, and sculpture.
Lynn began volunteering for Arts|Learning as a member of the Networking and Advocacy Leadership Team in 2010. A year later she joined the board as VP of Networking and Advocacy, and served in various capacities on the board during the ensuing years. She was instrumental in commissioning the annual Arts|Learning “Champions in Arts Education Advocacy Awards” art work that was given to each awardee, and connected with wonderful artists and crafts persons who were based in Massachusetts. She brought her expertise as an artist, business woman, and educator to the board. Lynn used her own original art work to put the color in the “swooshes” of the A|L logo (see above). We were all lucky recipients of her remarkable experience, generosity, and background.
As A|L Director Jonathan Rappaport stated, “Lynn was an amazing woman, artist, friend and beloved colleague. She will be sorely missed by all of us at Arts| Learning where she was a devoted volunteer and board member for many years. She was a vibrant, genuine person and admired by all. Rest in peace, dear friend.”
Lynn was the beloved wife of Jerold Fleishman, devoted mother of Rebecca Carlson and her husband Kyle, and cherished grandmother of Gabe. Arts|Learning extends our deep sympathy to Lynn’s family.
To read Jerold Fleishman’s memorial to Lynn, please click here.