Levitas, Willard G.(American, 1921-2001) Oil Painting. "Ballerina Backstage." Oil on canvas. Signed lower left Willard G. Levitas 1952. In good condition, back has 1" x 2" patch on the upper left and a " waxed repaired tear. Painting measures 24" x 20". Period 1920's Impressionist frame measures 29" x 25". Willard Gaylord Levitas (American, 1921-2001) set designer for CBS in the 1940's & 1950s. Film art director and TV producer nomination: 1963 - nominated to primetime Emmy award for outstanding achievement in art direction and scenic design the defenders 1960s, producer for Barbra Streisand tv specials, 1966 Color Me Barbra and 1965 My Name is Barbra.

A bequest by the late Willard Levitas and his wife Aura allowed a renovation and expansion of the Southampton Cultural Center in Southampton Village - Southampton, New York and that led to the 2006 opening of SCC’s lauded performance space the Levitas Center for the Arts. When Mr. Levitas passed away in 2001, he left a generous bequest to the Southampton Cultural Center, which was used to renovate and expand the space. The Levitas Center For The Arts.The SCC offers art classes in sketching and figurative drawing, SAA also hosts five shows a year at the Levitas Center, plus an annual outdoors art show the third weekend in July. The two-day fair is held at Agawam Park, across the street from the Center, and features work by Long Island artists, SAA members and non-members alike.