Dorothy Rice (1924 - 2023) was a multi-talented painter, sculptor, model and actor.

Rice produced a prolific body of artwork throughout her life, including oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, silk screens and sculptures. Her artistic prowess was first recognized by the Art Students League in New York, who invited her to join at the age of 14. In 1975, Rice held her first solo exhibition Serenata Mexicana at the renowned Southwest Museum. Many of her contemporary critics and publications noted her impressive versatility, including Architectural Digest which dedicated a large spread to her watercolor paintings of New York City. 

Rice’s work was also favored internationally: she was the first American woman commissioned to create a mural in Guadalajara, Mexico, she was commissioned by the King of Morocco for a series of paintings and was hosted by the Mayor of Jerusalem while completing her Israel collection. Rice’s work has been exhibited in galleries, embassies and museums worldwide, and is held in several public and private collections, including by notable figures like Barbara Walters, Gore Vidal and Ray Bradbury. 

Rice’s artistic perspective was informed by her illustrious modeling and acting career, in which she worked with iconic creatives and traveled to regions that inspired her paintings. Rice first rose to widespread acclaim modeling for Christian Dior as the face of the culture-defining “New Look” collection. She went on to work with the top high art fashion photographers and designers of the era, appeared in over 100 plays, and starred in several prominent television shows, including the Emmy Award-winning Fear on Trial, produced by her husband, the late Stanley Chase. 

“I am searching for whatever is positive and reinforcing for the human spirit. I value the individual and appreciate the beauty human beings are able to give to each other.” - Dorothy Rice