Director Emeritus Caroline Oberndorf fondly remembered

By Michael C. Butz

Caroline Oberndorf, a passionate and dedicated supporter of the Cleveland Institute of Art and a champion of its students and alumni, recently passed away. She was 88.

Oberndorf spent much of her childhood at CIA. Her mother, Mary Louise Gleason Vail ’27, served on CIA’s Board of Directors in the 1940s and ’50s. Oberndorf often recalled that a faculty member during those years painted her as a child.

Years later, Oberndorf rejoined the CIA community by serving on the College's boards. From 1971 to 1980, she was a member of CIA's Advisory Board, and from 1980 to 2003, she served on the Board of Directors. Following those 23 years of exemplary service on the Board, she was elected Director Emeritus.

“While always fair, Caroline held life to a high standard. She was bright, honest and fearless—a woman ahead of her time,” says Cynthia Prior Gascoigne, chair of the Board of Directors. “The CIA community has lost a great friend and advocate. Caroline will be truly missed.”

Oberndorf and her husband, Ed, were frequent attendees at CIA celebrations and exhibition openings—including, most recently, when she attended the 2022 Faculty Exhibition opening reception. She and her family were also frequent patrons of the Cinematheque.

“Caroline was such a friend to CIA and its Board over decades of support, from attending scores of openings, buying student and alumni work, and hosting receptions in her home,” says Grafton Nunes, CIA President Emeritus. “Her charm and generosity were infectious. I will miss her so much!”

Oberndorf also was actively involved with the Cleveland Art Association (carta), Cleveland Sight Center, Cleveland Museum of Art, Print Club of Cleveland, CMA’s Women’s Committee and the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve.