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Art and Art History
 

Art History    .    Design  .    Studio Art    .    Visual Art Studies + Art Education

As the word has spread across the country and beyond, I'm sure all, or most, have heard that our dear friend, Robert Dale Anderson passed away on May 31, 2009. Bob was a passionate artist who pursued all aspects of life with a vigor and dedication that can only be described as phenomenal. His loss took us all by surprise and sent ripples across the art community, particularly here in Austin where Bob so generously shared so much of his talent, energy, and spirit with so many and supported all of us and our art in one way or another over the years. On Thursday, June 4, 2009, a wonderful exhibition and memorial was held for Bob at Okay Mountain at 1312 E. Caesar Chavez Avenue. It was an incredible outpouring of love for Bob and a celebration of his art, his life, and all the lives he has touched. It was an event that was as phenomenal as Bob was, and I want to thank all of the following individuals who made it possible and made it so very special.

To the following individuals for responding so marvelously with donations of Bob's works from their personal collections for the exhibition, I thank you:

  • Ken and Mona Hale
  • Shauna Tysor
  • Karen Skloss
  • Sue Graze
  • Sonya Berg
  • Jonathan Aseron
  • Josh Welker
  • Bonnie Gammill
  • Christa Mares
  • Jill Wilkinson
  • Tom Drueker and Margaret Simpson
  • Samantha Krukowski
  • Josh Rios
  • Robert Melton
  • Sara Frantz
  • Cecelia Phillips
  • Mike Chesser
  • Ashley Mahaney
  • Douglas Marshall
  • Rachel Martin
  • Tahila Mintz
  • Peggy Lenehan
  • Bill Wiman
  • Hana Hillerova
  • Erin Cunningham
  • Marianne McGrath
  • Scott Proctor
  • Dan Sutherland
  • Judy Clack

To the following individuals who worked with such amazing efficiency, alacrity, and love to organize the exhibition and memorial, our deepest gratitude for all you did:

  • Leslie Mutchler
  • Jason Urban
  • Bernadette Ashman
  • Judy Clack
  • Shane Sullivan
  • Irene Roderick
  • Michael Berryhill
  • Carolyn Porter
  • Jade Walker
  • Robert Boland

And I want to give very special thanks to:

Sterling Allen and everyone at Okay Mountain for opening your space, your gallery, and your hearts to honor Bob. It was so incredibly apropos for the memorial to take place at Okay Mountain. I think that's exactly what Bob would have wanted.

Jill Pangallo for pulling together all of the footage from so many people and so many places and creating the wonderful video of Bob as we knew and loved him. This video meant so much to everyone in attendance and helped us celebrate Bob's energy even as we mourn his loss.

Ken Hale for speaking and helping others to speak so lovingly at the memorial and for so much more to make the memorial happen. And on behalf of all, I want to thank Ken for being largely responsible for bringing Bob to Austin all those years ago. It was a move that enriched us all in more ways than we can recount.

And above all, a very special thanks to Dan Sutherland who worked non-stop from the first knowledge of Bob's passing to well after the memorial exhibition and event concluded to envision, coordinate, and make the exhibition and memorial a reality. Thank you Dan. What you did was incredible and a true tribute of love and friendship to Bob.

Lastly, I want to thank all of you who came together not only to share your memories and your pain of loss as we strive to heal, but even more importantly, to testify to the love and legacy of a great artist, teacher, and friend and celebrate the life and energy of our dear friend and colleague, Bob Anderson.

John A. Yancey
June 8, 2009