Philanthropy at a Distance: How One Small Business Turned a Pandemic into an Opportunity

Whitney Rosenson is the president of Art Dimensions, a gallery and art rental service geared toward Hollywood film sets. Like many business owners, she has had to quickly adapt her company, turned upside down by the Corona Virus Pandemic, for a new and socially-distanced world. So she directed her energies online, not only to benefit her business but also those most vulnerable among us. We have been so inspired by Art Dimension’s online fundraiser series, which donates a % of proceeds to a worthy cause each month. And so, for the month of June, we are pleased to announce that 25% of proceeds from Art Dimension’s online fundraiser will go to our partner Lynne Cohen Foundation, which was founded in honor of Rosenson’s mother Lynne Cohen. To join in, visit Art Dimensions’ Instagram account and inquire via DM.

We sat down with Rosenson to discuss her deeply-felt connection to the cause of prevention, her company’s new fundraiser, and the importance of business philanthropy in a post-pandemic world.

Tell us about Art Dimensions. How did it begin?

My mother, Lynne Cohen, started Art Dimensions Inc. (ADI), a fine art leasing and sales business, about 25 years ago. ADI, then and now, specializes in the leasing and sale of fine, contemporary art to businesses, tv show and film sets, as well as homeowners. I bought ADI shortly after my mom passed away in 1998. I have been running it ever since and recently opened a gallery, Art Dimensions Gallery, in Tujunga Village in Studio City, CA.

How has Art Dimensions had to adapt during COVID-19?

During this time of COVID-19, I have been forced to make some changes to my business. Because I am not an essential business, the gallery, which used to be open 5 days a week, is now open by appointment only. My website, www.artdimensionsonline.com, has, now more than ever, become the primary platform for showcasing artwork I deal with. I’ve also become more reliant on my social media to keep my supporters/followers abreast of what is happening with Art Dimensions and have had to put a hold on exhibitions and a print-making workshop at the gallery that I had in the pipeline.

We all need good news. Tell us about something that really surprised or inspired you in the last few weeks.

All of the artists who work with Art Dimensions Gallery and who I’ve asked to participate in the fundraiser have been more than willing to discount their artworks. Their generosity and willingness to get involved is inspiring. One artist in particular, Shingo Francis, a friend from my high school days and son of artist, Sam Francis, even painted a unique work on paper specifically for the Art Dimensions Fundraiser.

Since the pandemic hit, we've noticed an uptick in philanthropic initiatives from businesses we love, including Art Dimensions! Tell us about your most recent project.

My most recent project is an online art fundraiser. Pieces of art are showcased on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn Monday through Friday and discounted 25%. If purchased, 25% of the proceeds are donated to a charity that is close to my heart. Meals on Wheels, where I volunteered in the past, was the recipient for the month of May, and now I cannot wait to raise funds for LCF and honor my mother and her memory.

Do you think American businesses will be more philanthropy focused going forward? Are there positive changes that you see stemming from our present situation?

I truly hope that businesses will continue to be philanthropy-focused post-COVID-19. I feel that there have been positive changes stemming from our present situation. People are showing acts of kindness and compassion like never before, and even though we are supposed to distance ourselves from one another, we have become closer as a result of our collaborative efforts to help those in need.

Whitney Rosenson was born and raised in Los Angeles and she attended the University of Michigan where she majored in History of Art. After graduating from U of M, she lived in New York City and worked at Caroline’s Comedy Club, but then moved back to Los Angeles to spend time with her mother, Lynne Cohen, who was sick with ovarian cancer. Whitney next attended Pepperdine University where she would receive her Master’s degree in Education. She currently works as a private tutor for elementary-aged children, and has also worked as a substitute teacher and taught fifth grade for the Beverly Hills Unified School District. In addition to tutoring part-time, Whitney owns and runs Art Dimensions Inc., a fine, contemporary art leasing and sales business that used to be owned by her mother. She recently opened a new art gallery in Studio City, CA. Shortly after their mother’s passing in 1998 and together with her three siblings, Whitney helped create the Lynne Cohen Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research, now the Lynne Cohen Foundation.