Mildred M Isaacs Memorial Fund

Mildred (Millie) M. Isaacs was born March 23,1926 and passed away on June 7, 2022. She was born to Jewish family, with a Russian immigrant mother, Rose Goodnick, and an American born father, Joyce Monat. She was the third oldest of five siblings. She was raised in Long Island, NY and graduated high school in 1943. Later, she received a Diploma in General Fine Arts (1945); and a Post Graduate Certificate in Fine Arts (1946) from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Extended studies included printmaking with Dr. John Mitchell, Ron Cubbison, and James Merrill; painting with Liz Quisgard; and handpapermaking with Helen Frederick.

After high school, she moved from New York to Baltimore, Maryland to rejoin with her family. WWII saw Millie building radio parts for the Defense Industry, and post war she was employed by the Maryland Unemployment Office as a clerk. With her determination and love of art, she entered night classes at the Maryland Institute College of Art as an advanced student.

On a blind date she met Mark Len Isaacs. They married in 1950 and shared a loving relationship for 69 years. In 1953, Mildred and Mark gave birth to their first daughter Susan, followed by the arrival of Barbara in 1955.

Millie’s life-long passion and career as an artist stemmed from her early childhood when she created elaborate and beautifully illustrated comics for her siblings. Later in high school, she was awarded a faculty scholarship to further her education. The most cherished part of Millie’s identification as an artist was to be part of a creative community. As member of many art spaces and organizations, a high point of her career was her work with Pyramid Prints and paperworks studio which thereafter led to the establishment or her own handpapermaking studio (Studio i) in Woodberry, Baltimore, This was where she created many gallery-quality works, in addition to teaching, mentoring, and sharing lunches with artists of all ages.

As a highly respected artist in the Baltimore community, her works could be seen and enjoyed at galleries, and invitational shows. During her long career, Millie presented a number of one women shows in and outside of Maryland and her work is held in many private collections. Of note was participation with International Monetary Fund Gallery in Washington, DC; Foundry Gallery, Washington DC; “An American Album” for Focus International, Nairobi, Kenya. Significantly in 1987, she completed a commission of 19 works for Enterprise Banks in Atlanta, Georgia.

In support of the local arts community, Millie served on the board of Artist Equity Association, Maryland Printmakers, and a member of the Maryland Institute College of Art Alumni Association.

Beyond her talent in the visual arts, Millie was also musically gifted. She had a beautiful alto voice, and in addition to yodeling on the radio with her siblings when young, performed with the Handel choir and Baltimore Symphony for many years.

Millie will be missed by her daughters, Susan and Barbara; son-in-law Randolph White; and grandson Brandon White as well as her nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends. Many thanks to her family, especially Marlene Shear, who shared endless love, compassion, and generosity of spirit with Millie.

Because of Millie’s commitment to the arts, a fund has been created in her memory. Please consider giving to the Mildred M Isaacs Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers. As you all know, art was her passion and she would want to be remembered this way.