History
For over 40 years, Edna Hibel (1917 to 2014) has been referred to as America’s best loved and most versatile artist, and best colorist. Since being commissioned by the Foundation of the U.S. National Archives in 1995 to commemorate 75 years of women receiving the universal right to vote, Hibel is now acclaimed the “Heart and Conscience of America.” when Ms. Lucy Baines Johnson, of the U.S. National Archives described her as such.
On Friday, December 5, 2014, artist Edna Hibel passed away in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida almost at the age of 98. Her art and life will continue to cherished by all those who possess her creations or were fortunate enough to know her personally. Edna Hibel Plotkin in her will, requested that all of her remaining personal possessions and assets be donated to the Edna Hibel Art Foundation Inc upon her passing to support the Hibel Mueum of Art. Ms Hibel’s personal property was not turned over to the Foundation. A Palm Beach County lawyer is still in possession of those assets and will be handling those items going forward. All other artworks previously owned by the Edna Hibel Art Foundation and viewed at the Hibel Museum of Art in Jupiter, FL are now owned by and located at other public not-for-profit institutions including Wright Art Museum, Beloit, Wisconsin, Albrech-Kemper Museum of Art, St Joseph, Missouri, The Museum of Printing History, Haverill, Massachusetts, and Lafayette Art Foundation and Museum, Lafayette, Louisiana.
Born in 1917 to Abraham and Lena Hibel of Boston, Massachusetts, Miss Hibel grew up in the Boston area. She was educated at Brookline High School where she met her future husband, Theodore Plotkin to whom she was married for 72 years. She spent many summers at the shore in Hull, Massachusetts and in Maine studying watercolor painting. She began painting at the age of 9 in elementary school. In addition to art, Miss Hibel was very proficient in tennis and she had a wide circle of friends many with whom she stayed current by telephone. Her husband Theodore passed away in 2011.
Edna Hibel was educated at the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts, from 1935-39, and was a special graduate student later. In 1942, she was honored with the Sturtevant Traveling Fellowship to Mexico. At the age of 23, she was the youngest artist at the time to have a painting purchased by a major American art museum. The Boston Museum of Art purchased ” Orange Lady” which Edna Hibel had created during her time in Mexico. The painting is now with the Lafayette Art Foundation and Museum in Louisiana, along with ” Hello Dolly”, a portrait of Ginger Rogers.
To see a television interview Edna Hibel Legends and Legacy. Note: the Hibel Museum of Art mentioned in the interview is now closed. Do return to our pages for additional insights.
Lithography
Edna began “pulling” stone lithographs in 1966 in Boston and then moved to work in a fourth generation ‘atelier” in Zurich in 1970 and she still works in Switzerland. Lithography is a drawing medium and it is especially suited to her draftsmanship and exquisite control over “the line.” She innovated in creating works with up to 32 stones (or colors) on paper, silk, wood veneer and encouraged her porcelain manufacturers to allow her to create color separations with stone lithography which were transferred in a “secret” complicated process onto Bavarian hard paste porcelain. These works are now called lithographs on porcelain.
Ms. Hibel had created the “Arte Ovale” series, and various plaques with this technique. With both lithographs on paper and on other materials, she often segments her editions of lithographs by colors, papers or the use of gold. Edna Hibel’s writings on Original Stone Lithography.
Until the age of 93, Edna painted each day in her studio at home beginning early in the morning and hand enhanced her original stone lithographs, serigraphs and giclee with pastels, oil paint, gold leaf, pencil, ink, conte crayon and charcoal. She traveled for special exhibits to promote the Hibel Museum of Art and to join the Edna Hibel Society on overseas trips. She would bring home new creations from almost every trip. She normally worked in oil paint. However, in the last years, she worked in watercolors again on a limited basis since she had mastered the techniques as a young person. The Hibel Museum of Art was given a wonderful collection of watercolors from the 1930’s and 1940’s which confirms her master watercolor artist status.
United Nations
Edna Hibel was selected by the United Nations World Food program to create “Mother Earth”, an original painting to be used for a United Nations first day cover and limited edition art print published by 1983. Later the same image was used as a U.N stamp to commemorate the anniversary the World Federation of United Nations Associations. The original painting “Mother Earth” is now in a private collection. Edna Hibel was in good company with the other artists selected for United Nations stamps such as Salvadore Dali and Juan Miro. The stamps and art were unveiled at the United Nations in New York City.
U.S National Archives
In 1995, for the 75th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution which gave women the right to vote, Edna Hibel was asked to create a painting to commemorate this event. Her work, “Our Mothers Before Us” was unveiled at the United States National Archives in Washington. D.C. and proceeds from the sale funded an education program at the Archives. This was a very personal painting for Edna as she depicted herself at the age of 3, her mother and her grandmother. “Our Mothers Before Use” is in a private collection.
Edna Hibel was honored in 2007 by the League of American Pen Women in Washingon, D.C with an exhibit and proclamation by the mayor of Washington, D.C. and featured on the Legends and Legacies program on WPBF-TV, affiliate Channel 25 in Palm Beach County Florida.
Over 600 Editions of Original Stone Lithographs
Edna returned from Zurich on June 13, 2003 and we celebrated the completion of her 600th edition of original stone lithographs at a special party at the former, Edna Hibel Gallery in Boynton Beach, FL. This accomplishment is quite significant in the life of an artist. We are unaware of any other artist creating so many unique drawings for editions of multi-stone lithographs. “When it comes to original stone lithography, there is Edna Hibel. There is everyone else. No one comes close to Edna Hibel.” This is a statement by Thomi Wolfensberger, 4th generation, master lithographer, Zurich, Switzerland. At her death, she had created 610 editions.
INTERNATIONAL ART AWARD:
Edna Hibel was honored to receive the Leonardo da Vinci World Award of Arts from Rector Gispen of Utrecht University on November 21, 2001 from the World Cultural Council. The prestigious International Art award has been granted once every three years since 1980. Ms Hibel has been cited for her innovations in artistic methods (especially in original stone lithography and porcelain ) and her contribution to art education. The World Cultural Council has appointed 100 members from five continents which jury the art prize. They also grant every two to three years an Einstein science prize and an education prize. Previous art recipients include Robert Rauschenberg, and most recently a Polish artist. The first art prize was awarded to the City of Athens, Greece. The ceremony took place in the most historic room at Utrecht University, the Hall in which 350 years before the country of The Netherlands was formed. In 2001, Edna also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from “Women in the Visual Arts,” an organization of artists in the South Florida area. Edna was particularly appreciative of this honor from her peers.
In 2000, Edna created a painting to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the White House. The painting entitled “the Heart and Conscience of America” was unveiled at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D. C. that June.
The work of Edna Hibel has been exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries in more than 20 countries on four continents including national museums in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Russia and the U.S.A., and under the royal patronage of Count and Countess Bernadotte of Germany, Count Thor Bonde of Sweden, Prince and the late Princess Rainier of Monaco and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England.
Hibel received medals of honor from His Eminence Pope John Paul II and the late Belgian King Baudouin, and has received six honorary Doctorate degrees including one from Eureka College, the alma mater of President Ronald Regan and Northwood University of Florida, Michigan and Texas. She received her sixth honorary degree from Simmons College, Boston in May, 2005. According to Will Ray formerly of the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, Ms. Hibel is Palm Beach’s most famous artist.
In addition to her numerous artistic awards, Edna Hibel received many humanitarian honors for her more than one half century in raising donations with her work for children’s and medical charities. She has also used her humanistic and compassionate work to bring peace through cultural understanding between China and the United States, Yugoslavia and the United States and Russia and the United States with her “Golden Bridge” and “Peace Through Wisdom” exhibits in those countries. The television documentary “Hibel’s Russian Palette” was developed during her trips and art shows in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg. She was recognized for her effect on people and their love and understanding for each other long before her travels to communist countries with an honorary doctorate degree from the University for Peace in Costa Rica.
Edna Hibel Businesses
Since 1960, the Edna Hibel Gallery was the exclusive distributor of Edna Hibel’s work world-wide. For 15 years, the Hibel Gallery was located on Newbury Street in Boston, Massachusetts. In the summers, Hibel exhibited in Rockport, MA. In the winters several Florida locations hosted one-artist shows of Edna Hibel’s original paintings and lithographs.
Then in 1968, The Hibel Gallery opened in Palm Beach and was located on Worth Avenue for twenty years. For a total of 37 years Edna Hibel exhibited among Palm Beach island’s premier art galleries, collectible stores, and gift boutiques. The Hibel Museum of Art was opened in Palm Beach in 1977 and stayed at the Royal Poinciana Plaza until 2000. Retail operations moved to Lake Worth, Florida and then to Jupiter, Florida.
After over 39 years in Palm Beach County, the Edna Hibel Gallery, formerly on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach and the wholesale corporation, Edna Hibel Corp, have been closed.
Hibel Studio,Inc., her licensing company, continues to operate under the direction of her son Andrew and family and may be contacted hibelstudioinc@gmail.com.
The artwork collection owned by the Edna Hibel Art Foundation was housed in the Hibel Fine Art building on the John D MacArthur campus of Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, Florida from 2001 until September 2018. Florida Atlantic University has closed the building and forced the museum to relocate. The Hibel Museum of Art operated by Edna Hibel Art Foundation, a 501c 3, non-profit public institution is not available for public visits at this time. Trustees of the Edna Hibel Art Foundation have arranged for the art works and paintings in the collection to be placed with other museums and not-for-profit organizations across the country. The Edna Hibel Art Foundation, Inc was dissolved/closed as of December 2022.
Most of her followers recognize this message on their works or autographs……
With Love,
To see a portion of Hibel’s Russian Palette movie produced by the Edna Hibel Art Foundation and aired on PBS channels following two Russian exhibits in 1990 Click here: Hibel’s Russian Palette
(c) Hibel Studio, Inc 2018 P.O. Box 33332 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420
Email: hibelstudioinc@gmail.com
Edna Hibel Studio 
I have a watercolor painting that Edna Hibel has painted with her red tag and name on it i started to search online for her paintings to see the value it looks like a Chinese mother and child.if you could lead me in the direction to get more information on it thank you .
Julie Zanotti
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Just love this woman.. Just learning about her now
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I am very moved after reading this short bio of Edna Hibel’s life as an artist. I am dismayed to think that her art museum was closed in Jupiter. Surely there must be some entity which can unlock the grasp her attorney holds on this collection. Surely, the County of Palm Beach is not so miserly as to host a place for these National Treasures to reside.
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I was given an original signed Edna Hibel sketch from her sketch book a number of years ago. I would guess perhaps in 1977. I am not certain on the year. I am curious if there is a market for the sketch. If anyone knows, feel free to contact me.
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Carole, we would love to see a photograph. Please send to hibelstudioinc@gmail.com Thanks.
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I recently was given two art tiles by Ms.Hibel
Prince of Peace and Eskimo mother and child.
I have tried researching them and cannot seem to find either of these among her art tiles. Any information would be appreciated. Should they be insured?
They’re from her studio in Florida and beautifully framed.
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Ms. Ebert, The art tiles are decorative artwork, and reproductions from original paintings. Hope that you enjoy them.
I would not go to the expense of insuring them.
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Carole,
Years ago my mother purchased several pieces by Edna Hibel from the Edna Hibel Gallery in Palm Beach, FL. They are on display in her home. There is one large piece, two smaller ones (one painted on a round disc), and three painted plates. My mother recently passed away and my siblings and I are curious about the value and market for this beautiful artwork, as well as making decisions about where the artwork will now be housed.
I can send you pictures of the pieces, if that would be helpful, and hopefully you can advise us to their value and market for such work. We appreciate any information that you can give us.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Colleen Sieme
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I need to know the value of this painting.
Wonder of Peace us paten 5526597
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I was wondering if you could tell me about a picture we have. It’s a small child in the grass. It is signed and has a number on back. SU-0012-2
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I was curious to know about a painting done with glass vases and like Oriental flowers which were orange
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Ms Way. Edna created many works and we cannot comment of a specific item based upon your description. She loved flowers, she grew roses, orchids and violets in her home. I feel that she captures the essence of the flower.
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Hello,
I have a gold cameo that was made by Edna. It has her signature on the back as well as the numbers 3/12. I can’t find much about the cameos she’s done. Any direction for information would be appreciated!
Trace Ledford
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There was only one 14K or 18K gold framed hand made cameo designed by Edna Hibel created in Italy. As you can see, the edition size was very small – 12. She had also created several porcelain jewelry items framed in vermeil with large edition sizes.
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I have 2 paintings very good condition one is naptime limited edition. But I’d like some information on how to get them appraised or something but don’t know where to start. One is a mother and daughter it looks like and the other is 3 people their in very good condition
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If you are interested in insurance valuations. Please send photos of the two items to plotkin-hibel@att.net and we will let you know the price of the service and other details. Make sure to show us the signature and any other markings. We need to determine the actual type of Hibel work you have. Thank you. Hibel Studio Inc.
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I have a beautiful pencil drawing I was wondering how I can find out it’s monetary value. Emotionally it has a huge impact for me She is an inspiration I feel it’s purity of heart everyday when I look at it Thank you
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I have a drawing of a girl playing the violin with another girl playing another instrument in the back ground. It was a gift and I would like to have it appraised. I fear that the person who gave it to me may have not have known value. She said she bought it at an auction house for $100.00 in the 1970’s. If it is worth more than she realized, I would like to return it to her.
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I have a framed drawing (24×36) I received following my grandparents passing. It depicts a mountainous landscape with two females and one male in the center.
If there are any records for the purchase and the value that I can apply to it for insurance if required I would appreciate it.
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If you wish an insurance valuation report, please contact plotkin-hibel@att.net with photographs of the work. Be sure to show us any markings or writings and the artist’s signature. Once we determine what type of artwork you have from the photos, we can give you a quote for the fee. Thank you. Hibel Studio Inc.
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I am hoping you can help identify a piece of work by Ms. Hibel and some history. I seem to be at a stand still. It has some of the same characteritis of the Japanese mother painting, but is a artist proof sketch.
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Sounds like an original lithograph, artist proof.
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I have several ebma hibel pieces all signed by her, friend of my mothers. They are all at least 30 to 40 years old.if interested you can also contact me at 609- 405-3492,some seem to be one of just a few she did.
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I have a blessing from above I came across a lithograph a 28×40 oriental looking woman with a gold,blue,green, in color,orange tassels from long dress, with a background of two servants/workers in front of two Oriental buildings, thought it would be a great investment for my two year old daughter any information on it, it would be great to know the background story, thank you in advance
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I have six framed lithographs of her work and six Bradford Exchange porcelain plates displaying her work. She is really a treasure. I’m sorry to learn of her passing in 2014.
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Thank you for your kind comment. We miss her as well. We feel that she lives on in our enjoyment of her art.
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Hello … I was Ginger Rogers personal assistant for 18 years and had the pleasure of visiting the Hibel Gallery and meeting Edna Hibel, when Miss Rogers performed in Palm Beach in 1978 … as you know, Miss Rogers “Hello, Dolly!” portrait was donated to the museum after Miss Rogers passing in 1995. I’m sorry to hear of the museum’s closing … can you tell me where the GR portrait might have gone? Thank you…
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Is there a phone contact for the museum
Did the museum close
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The Hibel Museum of Art closed in 2018. There is no telephone number. You may email any inquiry to hibelstudioinc@gmail.com
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Yes the Museum closed in 2018. There is no telephone contact.
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My parents were big fans and we have many pieces. Pretty sure Marty may have contacted you, but JUST FYI “Lady with Poppies” passed away 6/3 after sudden stroke 5/31
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Please contact us at hibelstudioinc@gmail.com with more details about your parents. We are sorry for your loss. We apologize for the delay in getting back to you.
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Sorry for the delay in contacting. Are you saying that your mother passed and father is still with us? Please give us his contact information at hibelstudioinc@gmail.com Thank you. Cheryll and Andy
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I remember Edna Hibel’s work on display at the Chute Homestead in Naples, Maine in the 1960’s. Unfortunately, I did not purchase any at that time. I do have a series of 6 of her mother/child plates as well as her large commemorative plate issued in January 1977 for the opening of her museum.
What was her connection to the Chute Homestead?
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No connection that we recall. She did exhibit at the Quisisana Resort in Center Lovell, Maine
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I just found the title! My Kings and I
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Can you tell me the value and name of the artwork. It was inherited by me and I love it, it hangs in my new home in the great room.
It is what we believe is a shepherd or monk, light orange background, reddish orange cloak, long whiskers. His eyes are looking down and it has Hibel in one corner and II 3/145 ed 290 in the other corner.
Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you
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Ms Ferguson, Sorry for the delay in responding. We can provide an insurance valuation report for a fee. We would need photos of the image, any markings, back and size of the image. send all to hibelstudioinc@gmail.com
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Good Morning, I was terribly saddened to hear about Ms Hibel’s passing. I have a few of her pieces of her work, and adore them. I even have a nude that were few and far between. I will treasure them always. I also have a copy of the comprehensive catalog and price list, but its dated Sept. 2000. Can you tell me where to get a more recent copy? Thank you, and G-d bless.
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Ms. Butler, Newer price catalogs were not distributed. We are glad that you are enjoying the artwork.
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I had a friend of mine who owned a art studio and restoration shop in Deerfield Beach Florida who has since passed away over the years I was able to get to know something about Mrs Edna Hibels works But there is one large about 25″/35″ piece of gold leaf art that has writings around the border I was tall were her reference marks it is signed and had a $12,000 price sticker on it when I acquired it from Mr O’Connell sometime back other than that I’m in the dark as far as this particular piece of art if I could send a copy to someone please advise me I would appreciate it I just love it for what it is thank you
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For identification services, please contact hibelstudioinc@gmail.com with photos and size of image. Thank you.
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Acabo de adquirir 2 platos y quería más información sobre ellos, me gustaron mucho la verdad y me puse a investigar quería saber más de su valor
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Mr. Hermida, for insurance valuation reports, please contact hibelstudioinc@gmail.com
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I bought a beautiful signed painting of an Asian woman and child.Apperars to be watercolor
I love it.
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I have a few artist proofs and I was wondering if you are still in business and would be interested in taking a look at them.
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Hibel Studio Inc is still in operation, but we are not purchasing nor selling the artwork at this time. Send inquiries to hibelstudioinc@gmail.com
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I have three of edna hovel painting signed would like to know what they are worth! Can you please help me!
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For insurance valuation reports, please email to hibelstudioinc@gmail.com with details of your items including photos, sizes and show att markings.
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She was amazing! We have a 1 of 1 painting 8×11” of “The Fisherman “ we purchased at the Connecticut Public Television auction in the early 1990’s. We love it, but know nothing about it.
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