Ellen Frank, an artist, scholar, writer, died Dec. 16, after a life dedicated to peace building, illuminating beauty, and creating positive change through the visual arts

In 2004, she founded the Ellen Frank Illumination Arts Foundation, a global nonprofit organization headquartered in East Hampton, NY, dedicated to the “transformative power of art” to build a culture of understanding and peace. “Cities of Peace Illuminated” is its primary initiative, which includes a collection of gold-illuminated paintings honoring the history and culture of world cities that have experienced conflict and trauma. The paintings draw upon artistic traditions unique to each city honored, including illuminated maps, manuscripts, icons, tapestries, embroidery, architectural mosaics, woodcarvings and metalwork.

During her career, Ellen Frank was honored with a Fulbright Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts award, Ford Foundation Fellowship, and a Pollock Krasner Award in painting.