He is known for contributing decisively to “the emergence of the museum as a place to show new art.” (Roberta Smith, New York Times) Hopps was born on May 3, 1932, into a family of surgeons and doctors in Los Angeles, California.
[2] Assignment to Eagle Rock’s arts-enrichment program led to acquaintance with pioneering Modern Art collectors Walter and Louise Arensberg, and eventually to their mentorship of young Hopps.
Walter faced numerous challenges in securing venues and working within systemic barriers, yet he was undeterred and continued to promote jazz as a legitimate art form.
Walter Hopps was drafted during the Korean War and negotiated a role as a first-aid man before being honorably discharged.While in the army, plans were developed for a significant "Action" art show, which took place in 1955 at the Santa Monica Pier.
Outcomes included the creation of a number of well-known cultural venues, exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, and notable museum and curatorial assignments: Reflecting Hopps’ record of mentorship, in 2001 The Menil Collection established the Walter Hopps Award for Curatorial Achievement, to be given biennially to a distinguished mid-career curator making an original contribution to the field.
The award is endowed to establish an accompanying stipend ($20,000) and includes the opportunity to deliver a lecture at the museum (Peter Plagens: “The Brass Ring of Modern Art”).
The recipients have included Documenta 14’s Adam Szymczyk, the Museum of Modern Art’s Thomas J. Lax, LAXART’s Hamza Walker and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation’s (Abu Dhabi) Reem Fadda.