Esther Baskin Ferguson, a renowned philanthropist and advocate for the arts in Charleston, passed away on February 18 at the age of 83. Ferguson’s contributions to the Charleston arts community have left a lasting impact, especially among young artists seeking exposure to global art.
Born on January 24, 1943, in Hartsville, South Carolina, Ferguson graduated from the University of South Carolina with degrees in political science and art history. In 1967, she moved to New York City to begin her career, where she worked as the arts editor and host of “Review” for South Carolina Educational Television. She later became president and a founding member of the Broadcast Resource Center.
Ferguson married James L. Ferguson, former chairman and CEO of General Foods Corporation, and together they began an extensive art collection. The couple moved to James Island in 1989 after James’s retirement. Esther Ferguson was instrumental in the Charleston arts scene, serving on the boards of the Spoleto Festival, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, and the Gibbes Museum of Art, where she helped establish the Distinguished Lecture Series.
Angela Mack, the former CEO of the Gibbes Museum, praised Ferguson as a catalyst for bringing significant art experiences to the community, inspired by her time in New York and visits to The Metropolitan Museum. Under her influence, notable events included the “Modern Masters from the Ferguson Collection” exhibition in 2010, and a program featuring art collector Leonard Lauder that shaped the current format of the Distinguished Lecture series.
Beyond her work in the arts, Ferguson founded the National Drop-Out Prevention Center at Clemson University in 1985 and the Bishop’s Fund for the South Carolina Episcopal Diocese in 1994. She held various prestigious positions, including vice chairman of the Young Concert Artists in New York, board member of the International Peace Academy, and president of the American Philharmonic Orchestra at Lincoln Center.
Throughout her life, Ferguson received numerous accolades, including the “Most Generous American Award” from “Town and Country” magazine and the Cornerstone Award from the Charleston Center for Women for her outstanding contributions. Her impressive art collection featured works by notable artists such as Pablo Picasso and Willem de Kooning.
Ferguson is survived by her legacy of philanthropic efforts and artistic contributions. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, at St. Stephen’s Church, located at 67 Anson St., Charleston. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Stephen’s Church. Her husband, James L. Ferguson, and her parents, Norwood F. Baskin and Nan R. Richardson, preceded her in death.
