Renowned artist Wayne Thiebaud died on December 25, 2021 at the age of 101 at his Land Park home in Sacramento. See Update below for additional details.
Original Post
Description of the Wayne Thiebaud 100th birthday celebration held by the Crocker Art Museum on his November 15, 2020 birthday.
On November 15, I attended the Crocker Art Museum Wayne Thiebaud 100th birthday celebration – along with over 800 museum members. It was ironic that a few days prior (November 13) the museum had to once again close their doors due to the current surge of COVID-19 cases.
SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)
Introduction
Museum staff started the celebration with a slideshow of the birthday cards sent via the Crocker Art Museum to Wayne Thiebaud. They delivered over 1,000 birthday cards to him just prior to the big day. Many of the cards included heartfelt notes of appreciation.
The slideshow was followed by a brief video featuring comments by Doris Matsui. Congresswoman Matsui connected the dots between Thiebaud and his relationship with both the Crocker Art Museum and Sacramento. She also shared that at one point in her life she had served as a docent at the Crocker.
Thiebaud Virtual Exhibit Tour
Our tour guide that day was Scott Shields. He stood alone in the huge main gallery hosting the Thiebaud exhibit, with some of the featured art in the background.
I could not help recalling my recent visit to the exhibit. It is unfortunate that the public cannot (for now) enjoy the exhibit in person. Let’s hope we can get the COVID-19 surge under control so that the museum can reopen before the exhibit ends on January 3, 2021!
See related blog post: Notable Sacramentans – Wayne Thiebaud
Scott commented on a selection of the displayed works of art, walking us through the artists more abstract early works and describing how his style evolved and changed over time. It is always informative to hear an expert make pointed comments on a particular work of art and discuss, for example, the use of shadows, reflections, and color. He also discussed the artists, some famous and others not, who influenced Thiebaud over time.
Scott closed his commentary by stating that Thiebaud kept evolving as an artist – and that he still is!
Wayne Thiebaud Video
Next, Thiebaud was featured in a video responding to questions posed and discussing both his life and work. What a life he has led – and continues to lead!
In addition to creating art, Thiebaud loved teaching art and mentoring his students. His advice for aspiring artists – work hard and long.
Key to the City
Lastly, Mayor Steinberg presented a resolution and the key to the City of Sacramento to Wayne Thiebaud to mark his 100th birthday. A well-deserved honor for one of Sacramento’s most famous citizens.
Update
(12/27/2021) Wayne Thiebaud died on Christmas Day 2021 at his Land Park home in Sacramento. Following are a few of the articles written about Mr. Thiebaud, his life and his artwork: Sacramento Bee and New York Times and NPR
Comments?
Did you attend the Wayne Thiebaud 100th Birthday celebration and/or have you viewed the exhibit (online or in person)? What would you add?
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