Western and Contemporary Native American Art

Born in Decatur, Alabama in 1946, Donna Fuller was a southern belle with a kind heart and a great sense of humor. She was petite and blonde, with an eye for fashion and a larger-than-life personality. After moving to New York City in the early 1970s to pursue her career in the world of fashion, she was hired at Yves Saint Laurent, where she spent the next twenty years working as the US representative for the company. Donna was gregarious, outgoing, and beloved, and she never left home wearing anything less than her most fashionable outfits, her hair and makeup styled to perfection. She loved talking on the phone, and conversations were never short!

Donna first met Fritz Scholder at one of his birthday parties in Scottsdale, Arizona. Quickly, they discovered their shared love of art and adventure; their connection was undeniable. Donna became Fritz’s muse and companion for more than two decades to follow. Together they traveled the world, created art, and reveled in the joy of living life to its fullest. Scholder was known for his colorful personality and unconventional lifestyle. He lived and worked in various locations throughout his life, including the New Mexico, Europe, New York, and Arizona, where he established a studio. Donna made frequent trips to Scottsdale to visit Fritz and his studio and explore the American Southwest.

Donna’s home was a veritable cabinet of curiosities, with items from her vast collection displayed from floor to ceiling. Only her closest friends were permitted to enter. She was a very private person and felt that her collection was deeply personal. Brimming with mementos from her many adventures, her collection was eclectic, vast, and inclusive of some truly remarkable gems. The lots presented in this auction from the Donna Fuller Collection were revered with the utmost love and respect. Donna’s collection, which encompassed the whole of her Manhattan apartment, was truly emblematic of the incredible life she lived.