Former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissman is urging New York Attorney General Letitia James to investigate the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, which was established to protect and promote the legacy of artist Helen Frankenthaler. Weissman alleges that the foundation, instead of fulfilling its intended purpose, is being used to benefit its directors. One of the accusations is that board member Clifford Ross convinced the board to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to the Asia Society and Museum, who is hosting a show featuring Ross’s own photos prominently displayed on the museum’s facade.
Weissman’s letter to the Attorney General and the Charities Bureau chief brings attention to alleged conflicts of interest and abuse within the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation. The organization, founded in 1984, has assets exceeding $500 million and distributed $250,000 in grants to the Asia Foundation and Museum between 2021 and 2022. Ross’s photographs, part of the “Coal + Ice” exhibition at the museum, are showcased prominently on the building’s exterior.
The foundation has faced legal troubles in the past, with former board member Frederick Iseman suing the organization for allegedly damaging Frankenthaler’s legacy. Iseman, along with other board members including Lise Motherwell, the late painter’s stepdaughter, has accused the directors of engaging in practices that are detrimental to Frankenthaler’s reputation. Weissman’s involvement in the issue was at the request of Iseman and his legal representatives.
The ongoing dispute between Iseman and the foundation has led to further allegations of misconduct and self-dealing by the board of directors. The foundation has responded to the accusations by stating that they have addressed the matter through legal channels and consider the claims to be baseless. The foundation maintains that they are committed to upholding Frankenthaler’s legacy and operating lawfully, despite the allegations brought forward by Iseman and Weissman.
Weissman’s letter calls for an independent investigation into the actions of the foundation’s board members, citing what he believes to be clear instances of conflicts of interest and self-dealing. The Attorney General’s office will need to review the allegations and determine the appropriate course of action to address any potential abuse within the organization. The foundation’s reputation and commitment to preserving Frankenthaler’s legacy may be at stake as the investigation progresses and further details are revealed.
The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation has come under scrutiny for its handling of grants and exhibition partnerships, with accusations of favoritism and conflicts of interest being levied against members of the board of directors. The ongoing legal battles and investigations surrounding the foundation raise concerns about the organization’s ability to fulfill its mission and protect Frankenthaler’s artistic legacy. As the Attorney General’s office delves into the allegations raised by Weissman and others, the future of the foundation and its leadership may hang in the balance as the truth behind the claims is uncovered.
