By COLlive reporter
Known American-Israeli artist Michel Schwartz, who had a special relationship with the Rebbe and Chabad over the years, passed away Friday, Elul 10, 5771.
He was 85.
Schwartz was born in Catskill, NY in 1926. His artistic talent was recognized early by his teachers, and at the age of 13, he was enrolled in the New York School of Art and Design.
Over the years he has created many works which hang proudly in the Israeli Presidents’ Residence, the Kenesset, Jerusalem’s City Hall, as well as in the White House (a sculpture presented to President Ronald Reagan from Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir) and in many synagogues and private collections of Jewish art.
He was especially close to and inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson who he met at the age of 15. The two would meet twice a month, in 770 Eastern Parkway, to discuss illustrations for “Talks and Tales,” the monthly children’s magazine.
“I always knew that the Rebbe supported and encouraged artistic achievement, and on a number of occasions, he expressed his feeling that the gift of artistic talent is on the highest level,” Schwartz told Chabad.org.
He recalled how when the Crown Heights Art Gallery opened on Kingston Avenue, the Rebbe personally issued a check for $10,000 to help with the expenses and instructed that the gallery be used for art instruction, and designated Henoch Lieberman, one of the most gifted Chassidic artists of the century, to conduct classes for both men and women.
“The Rebbe also personally attended occasional art exhibitions to indicate his interest in aiding the development of new Jewish artists,” said Schwartz, who over the years worked for Chabad, including creating the famous logos of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch and Tzivos Hashem.
Read more about Schwartz and the Rebbe: http://www.chabad.org/therebbe/article_cdo/aid/375089/jewish/The-Rebbe-and-the-Artist.htm
The funeral will take place today at 12:15 pm at Sinai Chapels
16205 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, Queens
Not only a brilliant artist and knowledgeable in Torah, but a most kind and generous uncle.
We love him, will miss him, but will always remain with his exceptional works.
Of course no mention of his most famous connection with the Rebbe, the picture of what the world will look like in Yemos Hamoshiach, which the Rebbe personally asked him to make, and was presented at the Yud Shvat 5753 Kinus.
I have his work and admire it every day. What a fantastic person and artist. He was the Rebbe’s artist and gave the Rebbe such nachas
Eli
The whole geulah was there!
…Wish we all were.
-Benveniste
he also made the kehos logo .
he did not make the cgi logo
Yosef Tzvi Lazar did
and the officiating Rabbi is, Shalom Paltiel, Shliach in port Washington
If i am not mistaken he also made the CGI logo
Michel was a great friend from childhood on. He will be greatly missed. My wife and my deepest sympathy to the family.
Very sorry to hear of this wonderful, and talented man’s passing.
I went to ‘The High School of Art and Design’ in Manhattan. I don’t think it’s the same school. My high school was previously named: ‘The High School of Industrial Arts.’
I love what he did with letters of the alef beis, his style captured the alef beis so warmly, turning each letter into a flame of light. His drawings in the talks and tales (kids corner, did you know, etc) were masterful. And of course, his Moshiach piece. What a sensation. Just looking at that ‘when Moshiach comes’ drawing, one can vividly feel what that great moment will be like. He literally took the concept of Moshiach and helped us ‘see’ what we can help bring about. A true Chassid (follower) of the Rebbe, he will be missed dearly, especially… Read more »
he is my favorite artist. I’m a michel schwartz fan. Absolutely love his stuff.