Happy Father's Day Dad!
June 15th 2008 and just a little over the halfway mark for 08. I must be getting old -- the days are flying by and although I am actually attempting to balance my life and to live each day with a purpose ... it would be nice not to feel like the years are passing me by!
The Ralls Collection is currently exhibiting a group summer show, including many of our most important artists that we have worked with over the past 17 years. This exhibition will continue through Sept 6th, 2008. For an appointment, please call 1-202-342-1754 or email MARalls@aol.com.
I haven't been able to sit down and write about my dear friend, mentor and inspiration for founding the Ralls Collection ... artist Robert Rauschenberg. Maybe after my boys head off to Culver Camp for 6 weeks, I'll share a few stories.
It's been a sad weekend, remembering Tim Russert from my favorite TV show Meet the Press (one of the only times I turn on my television). Interestingly, I spent all afternoon yesterday at Martin Luther King Jr. High School in NYC with a group of 65+ inspiring journalist that attended training with Children's Pressline (CPL) www.cplmedia.org a youth journalism program that gives kids the opportunity to represent themselves in the media. An inspiring day with the kids! Tim Russert was clearly a fine role model for our future civic leaders and journalist.
O my lovely friend, I am sorry to hear your beautiful friend has departed. Rest in Peace Robert.I took this picture of him under the worst circumstances. It was at an opening at the National Gallery in maybe 1992. I waited for him to break free from his party, but while I waited he kept drinking scotch and encouraging me to keep pace. After about a half an hour we each got a double scotch and proceed to the empty gallery. He later told Ann Abramson it was not only the worst portrait of him but the worst picture ever taken. But he couldn't have been nicer. I wish I had taken a better picture. Hope you are well. truly, Tom Wolff
Tom Wolffwww.tomwolffphoto.com
Thanks Tom ... I was unable to upload your photo :)
Hi Marsha,I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Robert Rauschenberg. As we prepared for your show to honor the Ralls Collection's anniversary as well as his, I could tell how important he was to you as a mentor and a friend. I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you at this difficult time.Sincerely, Lindsay
I'm sorry for your loss. I know he was very special to you. Thoughts and prayers, HH.
Hey Marsha, I heard that your friend, Robert Rauschenberg, passed away and I just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you. I know he was a mentor and a friend, and most importantly, someone you cared about. Very sorry to hear the news ... take care, Deborah
Marsha Ralls and Robert Rauschenberg, Metropolitan Museum of Art on Decemeber 20, 2005
Robert Rauschenberg October 22, 1925 - May 12, 2008
Dear Bob ... I am heartbroken today!! Your friendship, inspiration and Texas spirit will be greatly missed! As the tears fall, I know you would want me to celebrate your life and I will ... but the loss is so great at this very moment! Rest in peace my friend. I love you!
Thank you to all that have sent their condolences. I would like to share a few special Rauschenberg stories in the next few days.
On April 2, 2008 in New York City, Marsha Ralls, founder and CEO of The Ralls Collection, Inc. http://www.rallscollection.com/ was honored "Entrepreneur of the Year" by NFTE (National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship) http://www.nfte.com/ for her commitment to increasing education and economic opportunities for low-income at risk youth.
“Our young people need to know they have a viable place in the market economy,” says Ralls. “As an entrepreneur myself, I have spent years encouraging entrepreneurship in others, and I feel it’s my duty to help America’s youth secure a place in the business community. The NFTE awards dinner only confirmed my passion for empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and advocating for this great nations young people. "
1,200 business leaders, NFTE students, teachers and staff joined together in an evening of fun and inspiration as "Youth Entrepreneur of the Year" Rafael shared his heart warming journey out of the projects to start his own business with the support of NFTE.
Other NFTE Honorees, Seth Goldman of Honest Tea, Clint Coghill, Coghill Capital Management and Stuart Weitzman of Stuart Weitzman LLC all shared their unique stories. Ralls wrapped up the evening with a champagne celebration in the Presidential Suite.
