Ella King Torrey

Ella King Torrey (1957–2003), was an American academic administrator, professional fundraiser, arts advocate, and art historian. She was president of San Francisco Art Institute from 1995 to 2002; and was known for creating opportunities for visual artists.

Early life and education Ella King Torrey was born in 1957, in Bronxville in Westchester County, New York (state). Torrey continued her studies at the University of Mississippi (UM), where deepened her learning on contemporary folk art, and Black quilt making traditions. Her master's thesis was on folk art painter, Theora Hamblett. During her time at Pew, she founded and led the Pew Artists Fellowship Program. Her memorial service was held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, with a second service was held at the Santa Monica Museum of Art (now Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles).

After her death the Ella King Torrey Arts Fund was created at the Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia. Her collection of quilts from 1980 to 1983, the Ella King Torrey Collection of African American Quilts, are now part of the collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.