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About margaret

Margaret Lefranc (1907-1998) led an unusual life as an artist in the twentieth century. Beginning at the age of thirteen, she spent her teen and early adult years in Europe, at first in Germany, but primarily in Paris, France, from 1920 - 1933, and again in 1935, where she studied painting and was exposed to the newest developments in contemporary art.  Later, in the United States, circumstances allowed her to divide her time between Coconut Grove in Miami, Florida, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, where an important art colony was developing. Since Margaret’s family was wealthy -- her father was a successful entrepreneur both in the United States and Europe -- it was essentially unimportant for her to make a living by selling her art. In later years, however, she successfully invested the proceeds from her art in the stock market. From the mid 1970s to the mid 1980s, Margaret voluntarily retired from exhibitions while continuing to paint what was true to her heart. In 1990, with support from friend Sandra McKenzie (now the Foundation’s President), Lefranc emerged once again in the art world. After receiving the 1996 Governor's Award for Excellence and Achievement in the Arts for Painting, Margaret was asked: "Where were you during those ten years when you weren't exhibiting?" She chuckled as she answered, "Painting."

About the Foundation

The Margaret Lefranc Art Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit Foundation, was formed in 1994 to further the legacy of Margaret Lefranc. Prior to her death in 1998, Lefranc donated to the Foundation the vast majority of her body of work, consisting of over 1,300 paintings and works on paper.  The Foundation is committed to lending works to exhibitions and placing Lefranc’s art in the permanent collections of museums and other public institutions. 

 

Generous investment support from friends continues and has allowed the foundation to move further toward its mission of promoting Lefranc's legacy.  In the future, the Foundation hopes to create a scholarship program for struggling artists. Please note that a donation to this Foundation qualifies as a tax-deductible contribution.  For all inquiries, please contact Sandra McKenzie, President and Director, via this website’s “Contact” page or email mckenziehi@aol.com.

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