Kaffy Reinhardt was born January 7, 1918. She studied at the National Academy of Design (N.Y.C.), privately with Sergei Bongart and Theodore Lukits (L.A.), and Joe Mugnaini at Otis Art Institute (L.A.). For 25 years, she maintained the Reinhardt Art Academy, a studio and traditional painting school for adults in Toluca Lake, CA. Other artists also taught classes within her school: Connie Marlow (portrait and still life), Rollin “Mike” Moulton (seascape), Jean Blanchard and Jake Lee (watercolor), and Bernie Atkins (architectural renderings). She moved to Tustin and continued to teach locally as well as in the valleys north of Los Angeles.

Reinhardt often worked on portrait commissions (including one of a Mr. Blackwell) as well as mural commissions (Queen’s Arms Restaurant, Encino), works for television ("Little House on the Prairie" and "Happy Days"), and movies. She exhibited her work at the Huntington-Sheraton Hotel in Pasadena, where she also conducted classes. She was the official artist for the Bi-Centennial project, the reconstruction of the sailing frigate “President”, being commissioned to paint portraits of all of the US Presidents, which were hung on board in the Presidential gallery when the ship was completed in 1976. Her most well-known work was a portrait of Robert F. Kennedy. Jr., which was presented to Ms. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in 1970.

Reinhardt served a year as First Vice President and Exhibitions Chairman of the Valley Artists’ Guild, two years as President of the San Fernando Valley Art Club, and was the first woman president of the California Art Club. established in 1909. Reinhardt created a CAC gallery in Westwood in 1971; because of high expenses and poor sales, the gallery was closed in 1976. Kaffy Reinhardt passed away on November 11, 1992.

[Sources: In Memory, CAC Bulletin, February 1993; Sara Elizabeth and Dixie Reinhardt, daughters of the artist (via AskART.com); photo is from Who's Who in the California Art Club, Inc.-Roster and By-Laws, 1984, 75th Anniversary Edition.]

Member:
American Artists Professional League (NY; Hors de Concourse and Fellow)
American Institute of Fine Arts (Fellow)
California Art Club (President, 1970 – 1974, Honorary Life Member)
San Gabriel Fine Arts Association
San Fernando Valley Art Club (Honorary Life Member)
Valley Artists Guild (First Vice President, Exhibitions Chairman)

Return to CAC Presidents