Ann Pachner, wood sculptor, photographer, and graphic artist, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2024, at the age of 80. The cause of death was breast cancer.
Born in New York City, Ann was raised in Woodstock and Clearwater Beach, FL, where her father, William Pachner, taught painting. Her father and her mother, Lorraine Koolman Pachner, recognized her artistic talent at an early age and encouraged her to follow her instincts. She received a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design.
From a young age, Ann was profoundly committed to realizing her artistIc vision. She was best known for her abstract hand carved wood sculptures, which were born out of her meditative practice, her love of nature, and her understanding of ancient architecture. She was a graphic artist and the founder of Working Artist Inc.
Ann was a member of the A.I.R. Gallery for over 30 years and had 13 solo exhibitions there. She was grateful for the many ways the A.I.R. community encouraged her over the years. Her work was in many group shows, including at the Kleinart/James Center for the Arts. She received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the NY Foundation for the Arts.
Ann fell in love with Woodstock as a child growing up on Ohayo Mountain. She remarked recently that Woodstock was “in her bones.” Her remains will be placed in the Pachner family plot in the Woodstock Artists Cemetery.
She leaves behind her beloved brother, Ned, and his wife, Beverly; her niece, Sarah Pachner; her nephew, Aaron Pachner, and his wife, Kelsey Pachner, and her great-niece Tenaya Renee Pachner. She will be deeply missed by her family, her A.I.R. colleagues, and her devoted friends. The family appreciates the many ways her friends contributed to her well-being and is particularly grateful to Nana Durglishvili and Alex Japaridze.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering (mskcc.org) and A.I.R. Gallery (airgallery.org).
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