History
A brief history and overview of the Foundation, how it got its start and how it has evolved since its inception.
History
The Dusti Bongé Art Foundation (DBAF) was incorporated, as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, in 1995 by Dusti Bongé's son, the late photographer Lyle Bongé, and maintains a significant collection of Bongé’s artworks and archival material. The entirety of Dusti Bongé's estate is held by the Dusti Bongé Art Foundation and the collection of Paul Bongé, Bongé's grandson.
The Foundation, working in conjunction with the Paul Bongé Collection, fosters public appreciation of Bongé’s work by collaborating with museums, art galleries, and others on exhibitions, research, conservation, scholarship and publications. The Foundation welcomes the opportunity to share knowledge about Bongé’s art and life, and the art historical context in which she worked.
Overview
The DBAF’s ongoing efforts include cataloging and conserving the collection of Dusti Bongé’s work, while promoting public awareness about the artist's life and work through different outlets, including online and other venues. Long term goals include continuing research toward a catalogue raisonné and cataloguing the artist's archive of papers and other documentation of historical value related to the artist. Through the years the DBAF has accomplished several of its primary goals. We have donated select works by Dusti Bongé to other Museums. We have cooperated with others on several major retrospective exhibitions of her work. We published the definitive, academic monograph, Dusti Bongé, Art and Life: Biloxi, New Orleans, New York, by J. Richard Gruber (2019).