Honor the legacy of Paul Parkman, one of the founders of the James Renwick Alliance for Craft with a gift to the Founders Fund.​

ABOUT PAUL PARKMAN
Paul and his wife Elmerina Parkman were part of the small group that founded the James Renwick Alliance in 1982. Paul was our President from 1993 to 1995. Together, they were passionate, knowledgeable, and influential collectors of studio glass. In 2013 they received a One-Of-A-Kind award from JRACraft for their immense dedication to the organization, Renwick Gallery and the craft field. In addition to his contributions in the craft field, Paul also was a noteworthy scientist credited with developing the vaccine for the rubella virus.

ABOUT THE FOUNDERS FUND

Formed in honor of the founders of the James Renwick Alliance for Craft and Lloyd Herman, founder of the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery, JRACraft began the Founders Fund in April of 2023. This fund will be dedicated to securing the future of JRACraft, providing opportunities for further organizational growth and advancement in support of our mission.

In Lloyd Herman's last email to the Alliance, he said "I’m very proud of what is now the James Renwick Alliance for Craft, and its importance nationally." Today, you can help us further support what Lloyd and our esteemed founders began over 40 years ago by making a contribution to this new fund.

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See the story of how the Alliance grew from a small collectors group to a nationally recognized organization, promoting the advancement of American craft on our new JRACraft history timeline. 

We are sorry to report that Dr. Paul Parkman passed away on May 7, at the age of 91. 

Paul and his wife Elmerina Parkman were part of the small group that founded the James Renwick Alliance in 1982. Paul was our President from 1993 to 1995. Together, they were passionate, knowledgeable, and influential collectors of studio glass. In 2023 they were honored as One-Of-A-Kind by JRACraft for their dedication to the organization, Renwick Gallery and the craft field. 

With permission from William Warmus, former Curator of Modern Glass at the Corning Museum of Glass, we are sharing his recollection of Paul:
 
Paul and Elmerina are among the dearest and earliest friends we made in the art world. Renowned as early collectors of studio glass, I first met them around 1979 at the time of the New Glass exhibition at Corning. Paul’s positive attitude and sense of humor will be deeply missed. They acquired their first studio glass artwork in 1969, and the final addition to the collection was made in 2016. They donated much of their collection to the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian and to the Corning Museum of Glass.
 
During his career as a doctor, Paul was the first person to isolate the Rubella virus, and working with colleagues at the National Institutes of Health he developed the Rubella vaccine. President Lyndon Johnson wrote in a letter to Paul that:
 
“Few men can number themselves among those who directly and measurably affect human welfare, save precious lives, and bring new hope to the world. Through your accomplishments in developing an effective experimental vaccine against German measles, you have joined that tiny legion.”
 
Among the works from their collection that Paul and Elmerina gave to the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum is Dan Daily's "Parkman Coupe" (1988), made in honor of the work of Paul and his colleagues on the rubella vaccine.

Paul and Elmerina also affected the lives of countless artists, curators and fellow collectors over nearly 50 years of collecting. Paul is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Elmerina Parkman. 

Donations in Paul’s memory can be made to the the JRACraft Founders Fund, the Renwick Gallery or to the Corning Museum of Glass.

On May 17, 2024 an article was featured in the Washington Post about Paul's contributions and legacy. ​

When Paul and Elmerina Parkman were honored as One-Of-A-Kind, JRACraft asked a few key people in the field to share about their influence. 

From Betsy Broun, The Margaret and Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum

“The Parkmans’ friendship with the Renwick is long, rich, and heart-felt—JRA founding members and leaders, museum commissioner, donors of an outstanding glass collection, and deeply committed to the museum and its programs.When I scan the audience at one of our museum events, I invariably spot Elmerina and Paul and I often think,
‘They are our #1 fans. And, I am theirs!’”

An interview with Paul and Elmerina Parkman was  conducted on September 2014 by Tina Oldknow for the Archives of American Art at the Parkman's home in Kensington, Maryland. 

We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable dedication and generosity of Gwen and Jerry Paulson, esteemed members of the James Renwick Alliance for Craft. Their unwavering commitment to the arts has earned them the prestigious 2024 JRACraft One-of-a-Kind Award.

Gwen and Jerry's passion for nurturing talent and supporting American craft has left a significant mark on our organization and the wider craft community. They joined JRACraft in 1987, with Jerry assuming the role of president from 1989 to 1991. During his presidency, our well known Caucus Membership was founded and we hosted some of our earliest trips. Gwen has spent her time as a dedicated volunteer for JRACraft, hosting dozens of Spring Craft Weekend honorees and organizing countless events. The couple, avid glass and wood enthusiasts, have not only shared a passion for collecting but have also played a crucial role in the formation of the Alliance. Through their tireless efforts and extraordinary generosity they have empowered countless artisans to pursue their craft, directly supported the Renwick Gallery and upheld the legacy of JRACraft.

At our 2024 Spring Craft Weekend Gala the Paulsons were given the honor of receiving JRACraft One-Of-A-Kind Award, only given 10 previous times our 40 year history. Please join us in congratulating Gwen and Jerry Paulson for their outstanding contributions to the world of craft. We are profoundly grateful for their enduring support and honored to have them as valued members of our community.
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