Theodora "Teddy" Zehner

It has been suggested that the reader of this account might be amused by all the names she acquired throughout her life. Of course, Theodora is her legal name but others were affectionately created by her friends: Teddy, Theo, Doll, Love, Ted, Teddette, Teddells, TZ, Tee Zee, Teddi, Teddie, Tedde, Tedster, and T.

Teddy was born on March 21, 1944, in Philadelphia, PA where she was raised an only child. She earned a BFA from the Philadelphia College of Art and an MS from the University of Tennessee, both in Textile Design. In Philadelphia she learned to design Jacquard fabrics for commercial and residential purposes, which became her specialty. She continued to expand her techniques into printing, dyeing, and painting fabrics. Eventually she shared her expertise while on the faculty at Rhode Island School of Design and in the fiber and materials studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

In 1991, Teddy chose to make Madison her home. The small city had everything she was looking for – a warm, creative community with many opportunities for artistic engagement. She bought a home on Monona Bay where she quickly bonded with her neighbors and treasured her ever- changing view of the water. For over 30 years, Teddy was a fixture in Madison’s arts scene. Her friends and colleagues could always count on seeing her smiling face at museum openings, artist lectures, gallery tours, theater performances, donor events, concerts, and art fairs. Her enthusiasm, passion, and generosity for the arts were influential and infectious, making her a valuable leader and mentor on various boards, committees, and volunteer positions.

Teddy developed a deep and lasting relationship with the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA), dating back to the days when it was called Madison Art Center. She felt right at home in this museum among friendly, like-minded people who shared her passion for art. After joining Art League, one of the museum’s volunteer organizations, she eventually became its last president. After the Madison Art Center became MMoCA in 2006, Teddy was a Board member, chair of multiple fundraisers including the very popular “Hair Affair,” and was the first president of MMoCA Volunteers. She especially valued her role as a docent, which allowed her to learn directly from artists and curators and lead tours of exhibitions. The museum benefited, and continues to benefit, in countless ways from Teddy’s time, energy, and generosity. Not only was the museum a source of joy and artistic stimulation for Teddy, but it was also where she formed some of her most meaningful friendships.