Arnold Bittleman Artworks
Available for “Adoption” through the Adopt an Artwork Program
Arnold Bittleman was a member of the Union College faculty from 1966 to 1984 and founded the Studio Arts program. Read more about Bittleman artworks. We were recently gifted two works by Bittleman to add to our collection of his work: an etching on paper of his familiar “thicket” and an abstract drawing in pen and ink. Formerly the possessions of a former colleague of Bittleman’s, the drawings are in need of conservation treatment to restore them for exhibition.
The etching and drawing will be surface cleaned and the tape and adhesive on the face of the print with be removed; the print will be humidified and washed using deionized water and further treatments will be undertaken to reduce the mat burn incurred from previous acidic framing materials. Both artworks will be re-matted using archival materials. Treatment costs per piece: $1,300 to $1,500.
Before and after treatment: Arnold Bittleman, Untitled, 1966, pen and ink on heavyweight cylinder mold machine-made paper with a deckled edge on all four sides, gift of Michael Curtis, Union College Permanent Collection, 2017.12.1 UCPC
The Bittleman Collection
This collection consists of over 15 drawings and prints created by Arnold Bittleman, a member of the Union College Faculty from 1966-1984 and founder of the Union College Studio Arts program. During his time at Union College, Bittleman taught drawing, painting, design, color theory, photography, and printmaking. In addition, he created event posters, designed and advised The Union Book, and organized concerts, film series, and lectures.
Bittleman’s own work was exhibited widely and regularly at numerous venues, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. He was educated at Yale University and studied under internationally known artist, Josef Albers.