Honoring Our Founding Leadership

In Memoriam

Gordon Wetmore

1938-2011

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Founder and Board Chairman, Gordon Wetmore.  Gordon leaves behind the legacy of passion, for his own art, for helping others develop their talent and for his family.  He was a true leader and influenced the resurgence of representation art in America.  Gordon had a way of making you feel as though he had known you for years. He was the face of the Portrait Society and had a Southern Charm that welcomed members into our Portrait Family. His had an extraordinary gift of being able to easily relate and communicate with people. He will be remembered as a great man, a wonderful artist and a visionary.  You can visit our website to read more about Gordon's life and legacy, or visit our Facebook page to share your pictures, thoughts and comments.

Be a Part of Gordon's Legacy

Gordon Wetmore Legacy Scholarship Fund

A legacy is not simply something that is left behind, but rather is something that continues moving forward, building and growing beyond us as individuals.  This legacy scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to recently graduated art students who studied either at a traditional university program, academy or atelier.  The Wetmore family in conjunction with the Portrait Society of America established this scholarship in honor of our Founding Chairman, Gordon Wetmore, a man whose passion for his own art and for helping others develop their talent lives on through the organization he helped found.

The scholarship provides for continuing education by fully funding attendance at the annual The Art of the Portrait Conference for the recipient.  Scholarships will fund  travel, tuition, room and board.

Your donations will assist in creating and maintaining this scholarship fund.  Gordon Wetmore devoted countless hours to building what has grown to be the largest community of figurative artists in the world. Our programs and services are a direct outgrowth of his gift for teaching, mentoring and extending a helping hand to others. Help continue Gordon's legacy by donating to the Gordon Wetmore Legacy Scholarship Fund.

In Memoriam

Calvin Goodman

1922-2011

Calvin J. Goodman, influential mentor to artists and advisor to arts organizations, died in Los Angeles on August 17th, 2011 of natural causes. Known for his insight into the thoughts that motivate an artist, Goodman had an uncanny ability to help creative spirits discover and connect with the audience their work would speak to. Calvin served on the Portrait Society's Advisory Board since its founding in 1998.  He was a regular presenter at our conferences and the author of The Art Marketing Handbook, an invaluable resource for professional artists.