I just found out that my favorite artist (Charles Wysocki) passed away this year

[Towncrier]

I was out at lunch today and as I passed by a calendar kiosk, I mentioned to my lunch buddy that we had already purchased our 2003 Charles Wysocki Americana calendar. He told me that he had heard that Mr. Wysocki had passed away. I was stunned. I came back to work and checked out his website only to find that my friend was correct. Here's a snippet from that site:

Charles painted his whole life, and up to his death at the age of 73. He died July 29th, 2002 surrounded by family. It was also his 42nd wedding anniversary.

I am deeply saddened by his passing. My wife and I were introduced to his work soon after we were married in 1985. Some of our friends were avid collectors and we caught the Wysocki bug. It turns out that Mr. Wysocki was good friends with the owners of an art gallery in Stow (Ohio), just a few miles south of our home. Charles came to town once a year in the autumn for a rare personal appearance. People (including ourselves) would stand in line for hours just to meet the artist. We have two lithographs that he personally signed for us. Some of you may remember how excited I was last year to find a copy of Wysocki's "Prairie Wind Flowers" on ebay last year (which I purchased as a gift for Sue's 40th birthday).

My heart goes out to his family. I feel horrible that I didn't find out sooner. I know that Sue will be as heartbroken as I am about this news.

God Bless you Charles Wysocki. You brought beauty into our home and into our lives. May you rest in peace.

 

[BethR]

Towncrier,

DH and I enjoyed the works of Charles Wysocki too. I am sorry to hear of his passing. 73 - I don't even consider that old these days.

 

[JESW]

Oh no! I just love his work! Have used several of his calendars and I have lots of his puzzles. So sad!

Jill

 

[Serena]

I am so sorry.

 

[Beanie]

That is sad news...I always do the Charles Wysocki puzzles with my Mom when we are in Florida! I love them!

 

[NHAnn]

Sad news John. But he will live on in his work!

 

[snoopy]

Oh, I had no idea. How sad, he was an amazing artist.

 

[Towncrier]

The first time that we had the opportunity to meet him, my DW Sue was about 8 months pregnant with our first child. When it was our turn to talk to Charles and have him sign our print, he noticed Sue's condition and asked us if he wanted him to sign our picture "To the pumpkin eater". This particular lithograph was covered with pumpkins and, in retrospect, perhaps we should have gone with the artist's suggestion. We all got a big chuckle out of his comment. Even Sue.

 

[oldkicker]

He was a favorite of ours too.....

Wonderful, wonderful work.