Commemorative Gifts
Nancy Schwartz Katz partners with organizations to create custom works of art that honor individuals whose vision, leadership, and dedication have left a lasting impact. Her approach is both collaborative and personal, beginning with thoughtful conversations that uncover the mission of the organization alongside the story of the individual being recognized. Through this process, Katz translates values, milestones, and achievements into visual language. Symbolism, material choice, and color are carefully considered so each piece reflects not only the honoree’s accomplishments, but also the culture and aspirations of the institution itself. The resulting artworks serve as enduring markers of recognition, celebrating a person’s legacy, reinforcing shared values, and offering organizations a meaningful way to commemorate leadership and service through art that is both purposeful and meaningful.
In celebration of 20 years of Milestones, a Cleveland-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of autistic individuals, Nancy Schwartz-Katz was invited to create artwork honoring founders Ilana Hoffer-Skoff and Mia Buchwald Gelles. Founded to provide “autism strategies for life,” Milestones supports individuals, families, and professionals across the lifespan through education, coaching, and evidence-based resources for school, home, and community.
The organization holds a deeply personal place for Nancy Schwartz-Katz, who was present at its very beginning. She remembers sitting at Ilana’s kitchen table as she, Ilana, spoke about her daughter’s diagnosis and the absence of resources for families like hers. It was beginning of the idea for Milestones, and Schwartz-Katz went on to help organize the organization’s first two fundraisers.
And It Shall Come To Pass;
This piece was commissioned to honor a volunteers’ work in the Jewish community and general community by the Yanowitz Foundation for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. It encompasses the interests of Donna and Bennett Yanowitz along with the interests of the awarded individual. Symbols include: World,Scales of justice, Cup over flowing, Hands shaking, Federation logo, Shabbos candles, Torah and books, Orchids.
Joel 2-28
" And it shall come to pass afterward, (that) I will pour my spirit upon mankind; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old man shall dream dreams, your young men see visions"
