November 20, 2023

Before The Center for Cartoon Studies opened its doors in 2005, the idea of a cartoon school in a small Vermont village seemed far-fetched to most people. Margaret “Peggy” Kannenstine was not like most people. As a founding board member of The Center for Cartoon Studies, Peggy helped launch the school and then continued to build it into the enduring institution that it is today. Peggy’s grandson, Rainer Kannenstine, is a Class of 2018 graduate of CCS.

Peggy was a brilliant painter, printmaker, and collagist, creating colorful landscapes, portraits, and still lifes, many of which are permanently held in collections throughout the country, including the Fleming Museum (Burlington, VT), Columbus Museum of Fine Art (Columbus, OH), Springfield Museum of Art (Springfield, MI), Hood Museum of Art (Hanover, NH), and Bennington Museum (Bennington, VT), as well as at corporations, hospitals, and academic institutions.

Peggy was as generous as she was talented; she was also a steadfast believer in the ways that art could enrich and expand communities. She walked the walk, serving on the boards of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Vermont Studio Center, Vermont Arts Council (VAC), New England Foundation for the Arts, and many other institutions. Her dedication to the arts in Vermont prompted the VAC to create the Margaret L. (Peggy) Kannenstine Award for Arts Advocacy, bestowed annually since 2015. 

CCS was so very fortunate to have been part of her community. Thank you, Peggy, for imbuing the college with your wisdom, warmth, creativity, and positive energy. We can’t replace you, but we can honor your spirit and dedication in all that we do.