Arts
Visual Arts

Memorial Service Celebrates Former Art Teacher Aaron Kurzen

A moving memorial service to celebrate Faculty Emeritus Aaron Kurzen was held on Tuesday evening, April 4, 2023, in Dalton’s Martin Theater. Aaron, a Dalton Art teacher for 66 years, passed away on November 22, 2021, at age 101. Close to 100 community members including current and former faculty members, parents of alumni, and alumni from the Classes of 1948-1998 gathered together.
The evening's program began with a welcome from Assistant Head of School Celeste Herrera, followed by remarks from Director of Admissions, K-12 Elisabeth ("Babby") Krents '68. Featured speakers were former teacher and longtime friend Robert Meredith, Michael Davis '74, Kathryn Geismar '81, Ellen Altfest '88, Paul Rhoads '74, David Lackey, and Susan Weil '48.

Dalton was fortunate to have Aaron – a mentor and friend to alumni and fellow teachers – as a treasured community member for so many years. During Aaron's Dalton tenure from 1947 to 2013, he influenced thousands of Dalton students in his painting and drawing classes – many who went on to pursue careers in the arts. Aaron introduced life drawing at the high school level, and his structured assignments taught students how to see and think like an artist. He also served as Dalton's first Faculty Association President. 

 Be sure to check out Aaron's Website: https://www.aaronkurzen.com/ 

You can access Aaron Kurzen Papers, 1941-2017, Archives of American Art Website: https://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/aaron-kurzen-papers-21710


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