The Artist’s Legacy
Lake Austin from Mt. Bonnell
This sight from Mt. Bonnell shows part of Austin’s legacy—its lushness, water and grand views. This piece is also part of CGM’s watercolor legacy.
At this year’s Artlogic Connect ‘25 online conference, writer and curator Antwan Sargent hosted a paneled session that spent nearly an hour answering the question: How does an artist build legacy? The panel included Rick Lowe (painter), Lisa Le Fuevre (Executive Director, Holt / Smithson Foundation) and Dan Leers (Curator of Photography, Carnegie Museum of Art). Panelists encouraged artists to think about their work not only in the present moment, but also in terms of how it will be remembered and valued in the future.
They discussed how legacy is more than making a large number of artworks. It also includes how an artist shares their authentic story, builds relationships in their community, and preserves their work for future generations. Panelists spoke about the importance of keeping archives, documenting art carefully, and using both traditional and digital platforms to ensure that an artist’s voice is not lost.
The panel also emphasized that legacy is shaped by more than the artist alone. Collectors, galleries, institutions, and communities all play a role in keeping an artist’s work alive and relevant. This broader network forms the “ecology of legacy.”
One of the key takeaways was that building legacy is an ongoing process. Artists don’t have to wait until late in their careers to think about it. Every choice that artists make, from how they title a piece to how they connect with audiences, contributes to the story they leave behind.
Panel members offered practical advice—like archiving and digital visibility—as well as big-picture ideas about impact, memory, and cultural contribution. The discussion reminded the online attendees that true legacy is not only about lasting objects, but about lasting influence. Click here if you would like to see the one-hour long video on The Artist’s Legacy.
Family Matters
Dealing with adversity. Learning from the artist’s family legacy. CGM watercolor, (circa 1979)