In memoriam: Joyce Pomeroy Schwartz

Joyce Pomeroy Schwartz, July 4/5, 1928 - December 2, 2025

The community of Nevelson Chapel joins the New York City art community and still more in mourning the death of Joyce Pomeroy Schwartz.

Joyce was a trailblazer for public-art. Her passion to integrate art within the urban environment led the way and helped shape a more vibrant life for all of us in this City she loved. After leaving Pace Gallery in 1982, Joyce founded her own firm, Works of Art for Public Spaces, which helped shape commissions for public spaces not only in New York City but across the United States.

While Joyce worked with so many artists, New York artists were particularly close to her heart. Among those she championed was Louise Nevelson. Their working relationship was also a deep and abiding friendship. It is no wonder Joyce was one of the earliest supporters of the restoration of Nevelson Chapel. Every Nevelson artwork deserves attention, but particularly this masterwork -- Nevelson's only remaining permanent environmental installation always open to the public.

Joyce participated in Chapel events with great gusto and readily opened her home for gatherings and conversations about Nevelson's life and work. She shared her knowledge of Nevelson freely and was always generous with her time.

While the Chapel has lost a devoted friend, Joyce's passion for this and for other public artworks will remain an enduring inspiration for years to come.

Portrait of Joyce Pomeroy Schwartz by Leslie dela Vega