In Memoriam: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Helene Pancoast
In the early 1980s, Helene Muller Pancoast, along with Faith Atlass, Nathalie and David Nadel, led a group of artists—primarily from Grove House in Coconut Grove—in their quest to seek a permanent space for art-making in Miami. They were frustrated by constant displacements and relocations. Determined to break this cycle, Helene and her colleagues, with support from the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County and a great price from the Flowers Bakery, acquired what is now Bakehouse Art Complex, in Wynwood Norte. Their vision was to create a space where artists could thrive without the burden of exorbitant rental costs.
Since its public opening in 1986, Bakehouse has remained faithful to the founders' vision: providing affordable space, fostering community, and offering opportunities for Miami’s creative professionals. Today, it serves over 100 working artists and has plans to expand into a live-work cultural campus.
The Bakehouse community is immensely grateful for the visionary leadership, determination, and pioneering spirit demonstrated by Helene and her co-founders.
Last week, Bakehouse received the news of Helene's peaceful passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Pancoast family and friends for their loss, and we thank Helene for trusting us with the legacy of a project she was so determined to see through.
In a New York Times article published on January 28, 1988, Helene remarked, "Given enough time and community support, the complex could become a significant force in South Florida's cultural growth."
Helene believed in the potential of Bakehouse. We are a monument to her extraordinary vision and the lasting impact she has had on Miami.
In accordance with the family's wishes, friends and well-wishers may make donations to the not-for-profit Bakehouse Art Complex/Helene Pancoast Fund. These contributions will be utilized in the future to commemorate her remarkable work and unwavering dedication to Miami's cultural development.
To make a donation, click here or send a check made out to Bakehouse Art Complex, 561 NW 32 St, Miami, FL 33127.