ART SHAY: MARCH 31, 1922 - APRIL 28, 2018
April 28, 2018 | Source: Monroe Gallery of Photography
Michelle Monroe, Art Shay, Sidney Monroe
Monroe Gallery of Photography, October, 2016
We are very saddened to announce the passing of American photographer Art Shay. The Chicago Tribune carried the news of his death and called him a "giant of 20th century Chicago".
New York Times: Art Shay, Whose Camera Captured the Famous and the Everyday, Dies at 96
National Civil Rights Museum: In Memoriam - Art Shay: his work is prominently featured in the museum's newest exhibition MLK50: A Legacy Remembered
Photo District News: Obituary: LIFE Photographer Art Shay, 96
The Guardian: Art Shay: acclaimed photographer - in pictures
Chicago Sun Times: Art Shay, legendary photographer, dies at 96
Born in 1922, he grew up in the Bronx and then served as a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II, during which he flew 52 bomber missions. Shay joined the staff of Life magazine as a writer, and quickly became a Chicago-based freelance photographer for Life, Time, Sports Illustrated and other national publications. He photographed seven US Presidents and many major figures of the 20th century. Shay also wrote weekly columns for various newspapers, several plays, children's books, sports instruction books and several photo essay books. Shay's photography is represented by Monroe Gallery of Photography and is in the permanent collections of major museums including the National Portrait Gallery and The Art Institute of Chicago.
Art Shay was honored with the Lucie statue for Lifetime Achievement in Photography during the Lucie Awards gala ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York October 29, 2017. Below is the video introduction featuring Michelle Monroe of Monroe Gallery of Photography.
2017 Lucie Awards Honoree: Art Shay, Lifetime Achievement from Lucie Foundation on Vimeo.
Just a few days ago, Chicago Magazine published an article titled "Legendary Photographer Art Shay Tells His Remarkable Story".
Monroe Gallery was very honored to feature his work recently during the 2018 AIPAD Photography Show, and in the gallery's current "LIFE in Pictures" exhibit.
In recent days, Art told his friends and family he wanted us to learn from his work what life was like when he was alive. His work will be treasured by many for generations.