The founder of the Tanne Foundation is an actor/performance artist. In 1989 she created a performance piece, called Of Tanne, based on the letters of a famous writer whose nickname was Tanne.

“The name Tanne represents an open mind, open heart, passion, creativity, freedom of expression and spirit. I have collaborated with artists of different disciplines and have observed how varied is the scope and imagination of the artist; how passionate and clear is the vision of the artist; how the artist speaks and creates in many tongues. Art work is unconfined by any set of rules, tastes, conventions, precepts or morals. Some of the public will be enraptured, intrigued, converted; others will be angered, indifferent, repulsed. Whatever one’s personal preference and judgment, the creative process must be held in esteem. One may judge work to be successful or unsuccessful; one may or may not like it. But the effort involved in creating work must be respected.

“The Tanne Foundation wants to reach those artists and organizations who persevere in creating and presenting art of any type, in any media, and to encourage those endeavors through unrestricted financial support. However unrecognized or obscured the voice, the sound may be extraordinary and it is vital that it be heard.”

The founder of the Tanne Foundation acknowledges with profound gratitude all nature of artists enriching the culture of our country.