EILEEN HARRIS NORTON: ART CHAMPION
Eileen Harris Norton has worked tirelessly to become a beacon of change. As a collector and philanthropist, her remarkable journey has been marked by a profound commitment to underrepresented artists. With over 40 years of experience, Norton has witnessed the transformative impact of her advocacy for Art as a social investment.
Alison Saar's Cora d’Oro (1985); Eileen Harris Norton has helped to establish a number of female artists of colour, including Saar© Alison Saar; courtesy of L.A. Louver
Norton's journey into the world of Art began in the 1970s when the voices of artists of color were often marginalized. An exhibition on African American Art served as the catalyst for her immersion into the art world. The encounter with the work of Ruth Waddy, a Black woman printmaker, editor, and activist, sparked a lifelong dedication to championing underrepresented creatives. Waddy's influence on 20th-century LA art underscores the power of Art to shape narratives and highlight overlooked voices.
Born in the Watts neighborhood of LA and a former elementary school teacher, Norton's trajectory as an art patron evolved organically. In the 1980s, alongside her then-husband Peter Norton of Norton Antivirus fame, she explored artist studios in Venice, California. They developed a keen eye for artists who would later become household names, such as Glenn Ligon, Lorna Simpson, and Carrie Mae Weems. Their collection, focused on African Americans, the African diaspora, and women artists, became a testament to their commitment to amplifying voices not yet in the mainstream.
A pivotal chapter in Norton's journey unfolded with the creation of Art + Practice (A+P) alongside Mark Bradford and social activist Allan DiCastro. A+P transcends traditional art platforms; it is a social engagement initiative rooted in contemporary Art. Located in Leimert Park, South LA, A+P collaborates with global institutions, providing free access to museum-curated Contemporary Art with a distinct focus on artists of color.
A+P is not merely a gallery; it is a catalyst for change. Norton's vision extends beyond the exhibition space to the heart of the community. The initiative aims to bridge the gap for young locals transitioning from the foster care system to independent living. A+P offers a platform for artistic expression and vital resources such as paid internships, scholarships, and support for educational and housing needs. The mission is clear: empowering youth with opportunities far beyond traditional art spaces.
In a landscape where issues of racial injustice and visibility dominate conversations, Norton stands as a luminary who has championed these causes for decades. The challenges faced since Noah Davis' passing in 2015, coupled with broader societal shifts such as COVID-19 and the movement for Black lives, have influenced perspectives on the future of The Underground Museum.
Eileen Harris Norton's legacy is woven with threads of social change, artistic advocacy, and a commitment to fostering opportunities for the underrepresented. In the tapestry of the art world, Norton's contributions are not just brushstrokes but vibrant strokes that have altered the narrative, making space for voices that echo far beyond gallery walls.
