Elizabeth Quisgard

Liz Whitney Quisgard lived life as a feisty and fierce New York artist. Her incredible drive to create and promote her artwork never waned. Her imagination never rested, and neither did she. About her work she said, "In my youthful, truth seeking days, I wrote reams of justification for my work. Now I put less and less value on truth. Words have become irrelevant, so when called upon to explain what I do, I am inclined to say-what you see is what you get." No preachments. No symbols. Nothing about the human condition.

Liz's goals as an artist were to surprise and engage the mind by seducing the eye. From her home studio in Lower Manhattan flowed a steady stream of kaleidoscopic elements in yarn and buckram, dazzling paintings reminiscent of Classical and Byzantine architecture, and fantastical, swirling sculptures intended to bombard, excite and entertain the viewer. It is clear that the glamorous imagery in her work evokes elements of foreign cultures such as Arabian domes and arches and fanciful geometric patterns absorbed and internalized during her extensive travels.

Born in Philadelphia in 1929, Liz Quisgard was drawn to art. Her first portrait was commissioned when she was 16 years old, and that was just the beginning. She completed her MFA at the Maryland Institute College of Art in 1949, then studied Color-Field with Morris Lewis from 1959-1960. She earned her MFA in sculpture at the Maryland Institute College of Art, Rinehart School of Sculpture in 1966. She held a Certificate from the Maryland Institute of Architectural Design and Drafting completed in 1972. Her work is held in many public and private collections both internationally and across the United States.

Liz raised two daughters, Kristin and Berit. She became a fascinating and indulgent grandmother to Joseph, Elizabeth, Winter, Jonathan and Matthew. She sang to them, taught them to paint, encouraged whims and passions, education and achievement and travel.

Liz took her last breath on April 21, 2024 at 5:12pm under the caring watchful eyes of the Dallastown Nursing Center. In addition, many words of gratitude go to the Hospice and Community Care for their numerous visits, advice, and support.