Suffolk, VA, September 4, 2024 — Walking into notable museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, or Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, you might be surprised to find the work of someone from the relatively small city of Suffolk. But as one of the leaders of the Abstract Expressionism movement (not to mention one of the few women in that movement), Judith Whitney Godwin was a trailblazer.
The Suffolk Foundation is excited to announce the creation of the Judith Godwin Fund, a new charitable fund benefiting animal welfare. Along with a passion for the arts, Ms. Godwin had a love for animals, from dogs to cats to horses. Established by a gift from her trust, the Judith Whitney Godwin Fund will support nonprofit organizations in Suffolk and Western Tidewater helping animals.
Born in 1930, Judith Godwin grew up and spent her life until college on West Washington Street in Suffolk. With her family, she enjoyed gardening and learning about horticulture. She studied at Mary Baldwin College, before transferring to Richmond Professional Institute, which are now Mary Baldwin University and Virginia Commonwealth University, respectively. She studied under notable expressionist Hans Hofmann in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Following graduation, she lived in New York City and Connecticut for 10 years to pursue other passions. She would continue to stay in New York to spend the rest of her art career and life, before passing away in 2021.
Following World War II, the Abstract Expressionism movement developed with feelings of freedom and individualism. These pieces include numerous brush strokes scattered with unconstrained markings, which are seen in Ms. Godwin’s work. While breaking into a male-dominated industry, her style included themes of her life and nature. Ms. Godwin brought this New York style to Virginia, holding exhibitions at Mary Baldwin University and Virginia Commonwealth University. Her pieces are included in the collections of many major American museums and have been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions in renowned galleries.
While in New York focusing on her artistry, Ms. Godwin maintained an interest in her hometown Suffolk. She was an instrumental figure in the Historical Landmark Commission, while maintaining a strong relationship with the city manager and city council. She kept an interest in animals over the years, as well, even picketing at an annual furrier’s convention in New York in the 1980s.
As described by her nephew, Mr. Whitney Saunders, Ms. Godwin was “independent, fun-loving, but serious and intense about her profession.” To steward her legacy, he added that the family chose the Suffolk Foundation as a partner for this fund, due to the strong support and office assistance. Ms. Godwin’s family will act as advisors for the Judith Whitney Godwin Fund, recommending annual grants from the fund for animal-related charities.
From animals to artwork, Judith Godwin will continue to be remembered in Suffolk, and beyond, for her contributions to society.
The Suffolk Foundation is a 501c3 community foundation, whose mission is to benefit the people of Suffolk and Western Tidewater by facilitating and developing philanthropy and awarding grants and scholarships to meet local community needs. Since the Suffolk Foundation was formed in 2006, it has awarded over $8.4 million in grants and $450,000 in scholarships.
To learn more about the Suffolk Foundation, including information on applying for a grant or establishing a fund of your own, visit: www.suffolkfoundation.org. To learn more about Judith Godwin, visit www.jwgodwinfoundation.org.
