When I can hear what a form has to say, I start seeing marks and colors on the surface.
Jun Kaneko
Mimi Livingston’s journey as a connoisseur and collector is one rooted in heritage, passion, and a lifelong immersion in the arts. Her collection, particularly notable for its focus on modern and contemporary art, fine jewelry, and decorative objects, reflects not only her personal aesthetic but also the legacy of two families whose influence shaped her interests and values. Spanning decades and anchored by her deep knowledge of the arts, Mimi’s collection is a testament to her dedication to beauty and craftsmanship.
Spanning decades and anchored by her deep knowledge of the arts, Mimi’s collection is a testament to her dedication to beauty and craftsmanship.
Born on November 29, 1925, in New York City, Mimi Spector grew up surrounded by the elegance of her parents’ carefully curated lifestyle. Her parents, Samuel and Tess Spector, instilled in her an appreciation for fine art, jewelry, and antiques. The Spectors' New York City apartments were adorned with French-style furnishings, a mix of authentic antiques and commissioned reproductions. During their summer travels in Europe, the family expanded their collection, adding jewelry and paintings, including works attributed to Renoir and Mary Cassatt. These experiences laid the foundation for Mimi’s discerning eye and cultivated her passion for collecting.
Mimi graduated from Wellesley College in 1947 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Shortly thereafter, in 1948, she married Richard M. Livingston and began a family in Rye, New York. By 1959, the Livingstons had relocated to Scarsdale, where Mimi’s role as a mother and community volunteer flourished. While not professionally employed during these years, Mimi pursued her creative interests by earning an interior design certification (ASID) and completing coursework at the prestigious Winterthur Museum in Delaware. She became a skilled event designer for nonprofit organizations and immersed herself in New York's vibrant arts and culture scene.
Mimi’s involvement extended to museum volunteerism, notably as a docent at the Neuberger Museum of Art at SUNY Purchase. Her expertise eventually led her to teach courses on art and collectibles at the New School in New York City, solidifying her reputation as a knowledgeable and passionate advocate for the arts.
Mimi’s collecting transitioned from antique styles reminiscent of her childhood to a more modern and contemporary aesthetic by the late 1980s. This period marked the establishment of her business, Art-In-Action/Connoisseurship with Mimi Livingston. Through this venture, she organized exclusive tours for individuals and groups, providing access to museums, galleries, private collections, and artists across New York, New England, and beyond. Her ability to connect collectors with unique artistic experiences demonstrated her deep understanding of art and her commitment to fostering appreciation among others.
Her efforts expanded to South Florida, where she curated experiences for northern museum collector groups visiting the region. Mimi became a benefactor and active member of institutions such as the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York City and the Boca Raton Museum of Art further cementing her legacy in the arts community.
Mimi Livingston’s collection transcends being a mere assortment of objects; it tells the story of a life steeped in art, family, and culture.
Mimi Livingston’s collection transcends being a mere assortment of objects; it tells the story of a life steeped in art, family, and culture. From her early exposure to French antiques to her formal education in the arts and her entrepreneurial ventures aimed at fostering appreciation for artistic expression, Mimi has made a lasting impact. Her collection not only illustrates her family’s rich artistic legacy but also establishes her own cultural imprint, inspiring future generations to cherish and celebrate the beauty and importance of art in its many forms.
Jun Kaneko b. 1942
Born and raised in Japan, Jun Kaneko arrived in Los Angeles in 1963 as an aspiring painter. He first stayed at the home of collector Fred Marer, where he was exposed to the then revolutionary work of Peter Voulkos, Ken Price, John Mason, and others. Kaneko was immediately drawn to ceramics and began studying the medium and would go on to apprentice with Voulkos and other artists in the California Clay Movement.
Kaneko developed a unique style that explores the interrelationship between space, volume, color, and pattern, and is particularly well-known for his monumental works which often push the technical boundaries of ceramics. Perhaps his most famous form, the “dango” (Japanese for “dumpling”), are enormous, rounded monoliths that can reach upwards of eleven feet tall. In addition to painting, sculpture, and ceramics, Kaneko has realized many installations and public commissions, including the Phoenix Airport, a station for the Boston Subway, the Detroit People Mover, and the Waikiki Aquarium.
Kaneko primarily works out of his studio in Omaha, Nebraska and has taught at many of the leading art schools in the country, among them Scripps College, Rhode Island School of Design and Cranbrook Academy of Art. He is also the co-founder of the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and in 1998 he and his wife, Ree, founded KANEKO, a non-profit cultural organization in Omaha. His work can be found in many public collections worldwide, including Arabia Museum, Helsinki; Detroit Institute of Arts; Los Angeles County Art Museum; Museum of Art and Design, NY; The National Museum of Art, Osaka; Philadelphia Museum of Art; Phoenix Art Museum and Smithsonian American Art Museum.
For more about Jun Kaneko’s story, listen to this 2005 oral history interview from the Smithsonian Archives of American Art.
Auction Results Jun Kaneko
