Legends & Legacies Honoring Ann & Ron Pizzuti

Writer: Jessica Metcalf

On October 7 at the historical Lincoln Theater, the King Arts Complex will host the 14th Annual Legends & Legacies Award Ceremony and Reception. Legends and Legacies pays tribute to local, regional, and national individuals who have shown a commitment to freedom through social justice, human rights, cultural democracy, artistic excellence, and service. This year’s event will honor Ann and Ron Pizzuti, legends as some of the nation’s foremost collectors of Black art and leaving their legacy by the generous donation of The Pizzuti Collection to the Columbus Museum of Art.

The Pizutti family has been a significant contributor in the arts for over 40 years, collecting over 2,000 pieces of contemporary art and over 111 African, Afro-Cuban, and African-American artists. Their collection, some of which is displayed in the Columbus Museum of Art, is part of Ann and Ron’s vision to “foster cultural understanding and educational exchange by championing a diversity of voices around the globe”. Ron, a successful business developer, and Ann, a significant role in community service for over 50 years, have been recognized by the Central Ohio Red Cross as “Humanitarians of the Year”.

Beginning their collection of art by acquisition of a Karen Appel piece, titled Circus People, from the auxiliary Pace Gallery on East Broad Street in Columbus, they launched their working legacy from global artists. The Pizzutis are ranked among “The World’s Top 200 Collectors” by ART News and have travelled near and far in search of additions to their collection. They are now owners of many versatile artists, including Frank Stella, Jean Dubuffet, Alexander Calder, Agnes Martin, David Hammons, John Chamberlain, and Willem de Kooning.

Today, the Pizzutis focus specifically on artists of color, notably owning works by Kehinde Wiley, Titus Kaphar and El Anatsui, among many others. Being the distinguished collectors that they are, the Pizzutis have given young artists of color a boost every time they acquire new works. Other art collectors take note and the artist is elevated to a higher status,

allowing Black creatives to make a living off of art. Ann and Ron have been long-time supporters of The King Arts Complex and will continue to pave the way for others to lift up and recognize the significance that the arts can have to the community.

Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting The King Arts Complex as they connect the community through the arts, youth education programs, and summer concert series. For more information and tickets visit kingartscomplex.com.