Bette Ridgeway, Last Voice of American Abstract Expressionism, Honored in Milan

Santa Fe, NM – March 6, 2026 – Painter Bette Ridgeway will receive The International Prize “The Universal Genius” on March 21, 2026, at the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci in Milan, Italy. The prize, a tribute to Leonardo da Vinci, recognizes individuals for intellectual depth, innovation, and enduring cultural contribution.

At 86, Ridgeway is considered one of the last living artists connected to American Abstract Expressionism, a 20th-century movement known for its large scale, gestural techniques, and emphasis on color. The award acknowledges her lifetime achievements and positions her work within a historical context bridging Renaissance ideals and modern art.

From the Adirondacks to Santa Fe

Born in 1940 in Tupper Lake, New York, in the Adirondack Mountains, Ridgeway’s artistic vision was shaped by the surrounding landscape. She studied at the Albany Institute of History and Art, Russell Sage College, the New York School of Interior Design, and the Art Students League in New York City.

Ridgeway served as Executive Director and CEO of Very Special Arts, an international arts education organization affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. During her time in Washington, D.C., she met Abstract Expressionist Paul Jenkins, who became her mentor for decades. Jenkins encouraged her to focus on scale and color, influencing her artistic development.

“Layering Light” and Continued Recognition

Since moving to Santa Fe in 1996, Ridgeway has refined her signature technique, “layering light.” This involves applying multiple layers of transparent acrylic paint to create luminous and spatially deep surfaces. Her paintings aim to evoke moments, atmospheres, and emotions rather than depict concrete objects. As she states, “I am painting a moment, not a thing.” ,

Ridgeway’s career has been marked by international recognition. In 2025, Snap Collective Publishing in Copenhagen (printed in Germany) released a major monograph on her work, Bette Ridgeway: Romancing Color. She is also featured in the forthcoming Investible Artists 2026, highlighting her position in the global art market.

In addition to her paintings, Ridgeway creates fabricated aluminum sculptures, custom-designed and hand-painted, with a protective clear lacquer finish. These sculptures are often installed in contemporary homes and gardens in the Santa Fe area.

For more information, visit Bette Ridgeway’s website.