It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Paul Weidner, a long-time friend of the American Folk Art Museum. Weidner, who passed away in March, was an active and cherished member of the museum’s Education Committee since 2015. He was passionate about K-12 school programming and partnerships, and he cared about youth programming and how the museum could grow its reach. Weidner had served as the artistic director of the famed Hartford Stage Company, and had worked as a freelance director and theater instructor for many years. He also volunteered in the Peace Corps, serving in several African countries teaching languages. His volunteer work included stints with the Artworks program at the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of African Art, and adult literacy programs in Harlem. He was also a successful novelist, and he held a MFA from Yale Drama School. Our sympathies are extended to the many people whose lives were touched by the warmth and generous spirit of our dear friend.