Consul-General’s Commendation for Dr. Kurt Gitter and Ms. Alice Yelen Gitter

     On Saturday, October 10, the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville held a ceremony for the Consul-General’s Commendation at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) in Louisiana to honor the late Dr. Kurt Gitter and Ms. Alice Yelen Gitter. Regrettably, Dr. Kurt Gitter passed away in March of this year, shortly after the decision was made to award the commendation. However, in recognition of their outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and the State of Louisiana, Consul-General Watanabe presented the Consul-General’s Commendation to both Dr. Kurt Gitter and Ms. Alice Yelen Gitter.

     For over 50 years, the late Dr. Kurt Gitter and Ms. Alice Yelen Gitter dedicated themselves to collecting Japanese artworks, with a particular focus on Edo-period paintings and contemporary ceramics. The couple donated hundreds of invaluable pieces from their collection to museums across the United States, especially contributing greatly to the establishment of a substantial collection at the New Orleans Museum of Art. They also made significant contributions to promoting the understanding of Japan through art, including organizing exhibitions at art museums worldwide.

     Furthermore, in 1997, the Gitters established the Gitter-Yelen Foundation and built the Gitter-Yelen Art Study Center on the grounds of their private residence. Over several decades, they trained undergraduate and graduate interns and hosted numerous study sessions for researchers and graduate students from both Japan and the United States. Participants in these programs included scholars from Tulane University, Harvard University, Princeton University, and Columbia University in the U.S., as well as the University of Tokyo, Gakushuin University, Keio University, and Kyoto University in Japan. These art historical education programs have played a vital role in cultivating numerous experts in Japanese art.

     ※ The Consul-General’s Commendation is an award presented by the heads of Japan’s overseas diplomatic missions to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding, friendship, and goodwill between Japan and other countries or regions.