Documenting the Legacy

Rowena Reed Kostellow was working on a book about her teaching methodology under a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, but time ran out on a long life and the work was left undone. Louis Nelson initiated a fundraising campaign to support the publishing of “Rowena’s book” based on her notes. As producer, he asked Gail Greet Hannah to research and write the book and Tucker Viemeister to provide design concept and direction. Both worked on the project pro bono, as did participants who shared notes, recollections, and audio and videotapes, ensuring that the majority of future proceeds from the book would benefit the Fund’s work. Pratt graduate ID student Seth Kornfeld was selected by faculty to design the graphics under a work-study program. When his work-study ended, he completed the graphic design pro bono, and went on to design the Rowena Reed Kostellow website as well. Photos were curated by Miss Reed’s disciples Bruce Hannah, Bill Fogler, Gerry Gulotta, and Tucker Viemeister, who selected only the most beautiful examples for the book. Elements of Design, Rowena Reed Kostellow and the Structure of Visual Relationships, was published by Princeton University Press in June 2002.