Fred Fixler, born Nandor Lipschitz in Hungary on August 4, 1923, emigrated to America as a young boy, where his name was changed to Fred Fixler upon arrival at Ellis Island. Raised in the Bronx, he attended an Orthodox Jewish school and trained as a diamond cutter, a profession he practiced for many years. Fred was a remarkable linguist, fluent in seven languages, and served as a translator and interpreter for the U.S. Army during World War II in Europe.
In the early 1950s, Fred pursued his passion for art at The Art Students League in New York, where he studied under renowned instructors Frank Reilly and Robert Beverly Hale. His artistic journey then took him to France, where he delved into Cubism at the prestigious Academie Julian in Paris.
After a successful career as an illustrator, Fred transitioned into teaching. He became an influential art instructor at The Brandes Art Institute and later at The California Art Institute, shaping the careers of many young artists. Fred Fixler passed away on January 21, 2010, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, education, and artistic excellence.