The illustrious life and achievements of Ruth W. Greenfield, the trailblazing American concert pianist and educator, were not the only impressive contributions to the arts within her family. Among her notable siblings, one stands out as a prominent figure in the preservation of Key West’s cultural heritage – David Wolkowsky.
Born on November 17, 1923, in Key West, Florida, Ruth W. Greenfield, nee Wolkowsky, grew up with a passion for music that would define her pioneering career. Throughout her life, she broke racial barriers by creating an inclusive learning environment at the Fine Arts Conservatory, where black and white students came together, taught by black and white teachers.
Amid the challenges of the segregated society, Ruth W. Greenfield’s musical journey flourished as she studied under renowned mentors such as Mana-Zucca and Artur Schnabel. Her path eventually led her to Paris, France, where she married her husband, Arnold Merwin Greenfield, a Miami attorney and a graduate of Harvard Law School.
While Ruth W. Greenfield’s contributions to music and education were groundbreaking, her brother David Wolkowsky made significant strides in preserving Key West’s rich cultural heritage. A dedicated preservationist, David Wolkowsky’s efforts were instrumental in maintaining the architectural and cultural integrity of Key West, a city that held great historical significance to his family.
As Ruth W. Greenfield’s legacy continued to inspire the world of arts and education, David Wolkowsky played a vital role in ensuring that Key West’s unique history was safeguarded for future generations. His endeavors to preserve the city’s historical landmarks and promote its vibrant cultural scene made him a cherished figure among the community.
The impact of Ruth W. Greenfield’s family on the arts does not end with David Wolkowsky. Her children, including New York City photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, Miami cultural critic Charles D. Greenfield, published clinical social worker Alice Greenfield, and golfer Frank Greenfield, have continued the family’s tradition of artistic excellence.
Furthermore, her grandchildren, filmmaker Liliana Greenfield-Sanders and painter Isca Greenfield-Sanders, have made their own significant contributions to the arts, ensuring that Ruth W. Greenfield’s artistic legacy spans generations.
As the world celebrated the life and achievements of Ruth W. Greenfield, the city of Miami recognized her impact by co-designating the street where she lived as “Ruth Greenfield Way” in 2022. Her legacy, alongside the contributions of her family, remains an enduring inspiration, reminding us of the power of art to break barriers and unite people from all walks of life.
While Ruth W. Greenfield’s passing on July 27, 2023, marked the end of an era, her family’s unwavering dedication to the arts and their impact on preserving cultural heritage ensure that her pioneering spirit lives on. As we honor her memory, we also acknowledge the profound contributions of her brother David Wolkowsky and the enduring artistic legacy of the entire Greenfield family.