Arts philanthropist and newspaper publisher John Cowles Jr. dies
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One of the most significant figures in Twin Cities arts philanthropy has died.
John Cowles Jr., 82, succumbed to lung cancer Saturday evening, surrounded by family.
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John Cowles, shown here with his wife Sage. Cowles died Saturday evening from lung cancer
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Image courtesy Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts
While his family has a long history in the newspaper industry, Cowles also made his own indelible mark in the arts.
He lured director Tyrone Guthrie to Minneapolis to realize a vision for a professional regional theater company. Cowles helped raise the money for the orignal Guthrie Theater; 40 years later he served as co-chairman of the architecture committee for the new Guthrie complex.
Along with his wife Sage - after which the Sage Awards are named - Cowles also held a pivotal role in the world of dance.
Most recently the couple were recognized with the naming of the Cowles Center for Dance and the Perfoming Arts.
Services are pending.