Peter was born in Fargo, North Dakota and grew up in small towns in North Dakota and Minnesota, including Northfield. His father was an inventor and entrepreneur whose company in Northfield manufactured machines for making plastic bags and later produced NASA’s first communications satellite, Echo 1.
Peter joined us at Carleton as a freshman, but dropped out after his sophomore year. His father had wanted him to join the business after Carleton, but Peter had no interest in business or making money. Instead, he found work at the Jersey Journal, New Jersey, devoting his off hours immersed in the artistic world of Manhattan’s lower east side.
He knew that he wanted to be involved in the arts in some way. He attended Kenneth Koch’s poetry workshop at the New School. Peter and a Carleton classmate founded Mother, a journal showcasing poetry of the New School.
Over time, he established ties to creative people in and around New York City, eventually leading to his dream job at the prestigious magazine, The New Yorker.
Peter became famous at The New Yorker. He wrote a weekly articles on the arts and the marvelous art scene in the city and beyond. His articles were erudite and fascinating, and presented with undiminished enthusiasm. Peter’s popularity and following grew accordingly.
As well, he conducted interesting interviews with people in the arts. Probably his best known interview was with comedian Steve Martin, who was a major art collector and very knowledgeable on the subject.
Less known, he published several volumes of poetry. He wrote articles for The Art News, The New York Times, Art in America, and The Village Voice.
Peter Charles Schjeldahl lived a fascinating life.
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