For centuries, societies far apart in culture and religion have had
in common an exquisite art form: the Art of Illumination. Made with
pictures, paint and precious metals, these cultures used
illumination to create beautiful renderings of their most sacred
documents. In archives and museums, a decorated Hebrew
marriage contract (or ketubah), an embellished New Testament
manuscript, and a dazzling Koran, bespeak the reverence and
intensity of feelings expressed through this fine art.
The Ellen Frank Illumination Arts Foundation, a not-for-profit
corporation, was formed in June 2004 to revitalize passion for and
public awareness of the art of illumination, in part through
education and training at the unique Illumination Atelier
Modeled after the Renaissance atelier (studio), the Illumination Atelier
is the first of its kind in the United States. Apprentices and
interns have the opportunity of working directly on the
illuminations and are fully supported by the Foundation during their
stay at the Atelier.
Projects of THE ELLEN FRANK ILLUMINATION ARTS
FOUNDATION also include:
• Hanukkah Illuminated: A Book of Days: a unique
“haggadah” for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah with text by
biblical scholar Everett Fox
• The King Arthur Suite: original illuminations for the famous
stories of King Arthur
The Foundation's Board of Directors are:
Artistic Director, Ellen Frank, Ph.D.
Nancy Meyer, CFO
Stephen A. Dickman
For those interested in supporting the foundation or learning more
about its activities, please contact:
EFIAF, Inc.
73 Squaw Road
East Hampton, NY 11937
Tel. 631-329-0530
e-mail: info@efiaf.org