In February Ptarmigan Arts Co-op member for 18 years, Carolyn Seymour, closed her eyes for the last time in Missoula, Montana. After 80+ years of sharing her perception of the world through many mediums including oils, pastels, watercolors, intaglio Christmas cards printed on an antique hand cranked press, etchings, engravings, original wood cut prints and stained glass renderings, she had a peaceful passing in the company of her three children.
Everywhere Carolyn lived, her husband of 60+ years managed to devise a studio including part of an apartment dining room in Paris, France and even in her room at the progressive care facility. The subjects of her art ranged from landscapes (mostly en plain aire) many in the Adirondacks of New York, people, animals and when they weren’t available still-lifes mostly of flowers. She was fascinated by reflections whether in glassware or airplane wings over the Chugach Mountains. She often intended to deliver a message like ugly telephone wires spoiling a Seattle view and saw beauty in everyday objects. She admitted she never finished a painting often revising her former work even after losing 80% of her eyesight at the age of 82.
Although Carolyn was never interested in selling her art, her daughter, Susan Oesting, promotes her work. She has had displays in art galleries and restaurants in the lower 48 and Alaska and her work graces many homes across the nation.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ptarmigan Arts Scholarship Fund, a fund endowed through The Homer Foundation to encourage and assist local high school and college students in furthering their education in the visual arts. Tax-deductible donations may be made online through the Foundation’s website or mailed to The Homer Foundation, PO Box 2600, Homer, AK 99603.
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