Last week, America lost a leading artist of the 20th. Century, when Ellsworth Kelly died at age 92, in his Spencertown home, here in Columbia County. Memorialized around the world as a Master of Abstract art, Kelly had long ago secured a place in history as a premier artist of color and form. We were so lucky and proud to have this renowned artist right here in our backyard, who along with his husband, Jack Shear, offered so much not only to the world, but to the Columbia County community as well. Tremendous philanthropists, they gave so much to The Spencertown Academy as well as creating The Ellsworth Kelly Foundation, which endows educational enrichment funds for all six public school districts in the County (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation). We will miss Kelly dearly, but we know that Jack will continue to keep his great legacy alive.