| Author |
Message |
Stephen Goodfellow (Admin)
Username: Admin
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 9:28 am: | |
Tony Williams passed away last night. No news yet as to funeral or memorial service. |
Roberto Warren
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 9:53 am: | |
One of the best teachers, best artists, and coolest people I've ever met. I'll never be able to think of my time at CCS without thinking of him |
Debra Slavin-Glazer
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 11:12 am: | |
Tony was my first painting instructor at CCS, I will always remember him for his sense of humor and his insistence on good technique. I am sad to see another one of my teachers whom I think of as an integral part of my art education leave us too soon.
Here's to you Tony! |
Sally Kaplan
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 3:20 pm: | |
Tony always had the warm welcoming smile , with one of the sweetest natures one could ever meet.
During class break at CCS sitting in the cafeteria he would often say to passers by "vas is loss "? and was always surrounded by his devoted students.I will miss Tony,he will be missed by so many... |
Gilda Snowden
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 4:13 pm: | |
Lester Johnson came into my office yesterday to tell me about Tony. Even though I knew he was battling with something serious, I thought big, strong Tony would beat it forever! What a shock! When I saw him at the C-Pop Gallery after his surgery he looked so good, so healthy, and his shaved head was a perfect style for him. I first knew Tony from the old days at Alvin's while I was an art student at WSU....then much later we became colleagues at CCS. He was such a bright, happy spirit. Great painter. Cool cool guy. Wonderful joke teller....he had this one joke about the fraternity he belonged to, " I Felta Thi".
I miss you so much, Tony! |
Mary Fortuna
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 7:30 pm: | |
Tony was always overflowing with life and fun and humor. Even as he struggled to carry on a conversation a few months ago, he'd laugh at himself and the situation. He was accomplished and knowledgeable in so many areas, and shared everything in his heart with his students, colleagues and friends. His last series of pastel landscapes is an exceptionally beautiful body of work that we were all priveleged to see. Tony left an indelible mark on all of us here at PCCA, and we'll all miss him terribly. My heart is full of sadness for Francia and all of Tony's family and closest friends. |
G.Kerby
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 7:50 pm: | |
I'll miss that big smile and hearty laugh. |
PasserBy
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 7:52 pm: | |
I'll always remember coming across Tony at the curbside of the College for Creative Studies. He was standing there, waiting for someone to bring up a truck to remove his boxes of stuff. CCS had thrown him out because he cared enough about other people to stick his neck out and help with the attempt to unionize the college. He was fired for his troubles.
In my eyes, CCS will never be anything more than glorified community college. Tony was Ivy league.
|
Lowell
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 8:48 pm: | |
I fondly remember Tony and can reconfirm what others have written above. This big guy was sheer joy and one continuous smile. He knew how to take art seriously without the pretentiousness of acting serious, without having his fist against the forehead. RIP Tony, I can still hear your happy laughter echoing across the years we knew each other. |
Paul Pedersen
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - 9:06 pm: | |
My eyes are full of tears my heart is crushed I have lost my best friend. |
Laura Grimshaw
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2008 - 1:27 am: | |
News of the passing of Tony Williams makes me sad for all of us because we have to be without him on Earth. His spirit is so strong that we can always be in tune with his energy. His strong laugh, large joy with life and great loyalty to his friends are left behind. Not to mention his great talent. I have so much to say and don't know how to express it. My heart goes out to Justin and Francia, God Bless. |
N.R.'Skipper'LaFramboise Ii
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2008 - 12:58 am: | |
Tony was a big hearted, loveable, guy with a constant smile, quick humour and was very supportive of his friends. He loved cheap beer and music - the jukebox. Generally there'd be a group with him due to his gregarious, engaging nature. He had a hearing problem so I think his strategy was to overcome it with a big smile. It worked. I don't think Tony heard half of what I said to him and didn't listen to the other half(lucky for him), he just smiled. I only saw him angered once. Suzy, Larry and I were having problems with 5 or 6 troublesome guys at my bar. Tony had just left but apparently he'd sensed the problem might be ongoing. As we were ushering these guys out, they became a bit more hostile. Tony circled around, pulled up in front and jumped out of the barely stopped car like a big time wrestler. He called all of them out, right there, basically yelling, "get out of here, now, or I'll take on all of you, who's first?". He was so unexpected (he'd just left, after all) and his actions so surprising, that everyone stood there shocked. It was one of those moments you just wish you'd been able to record. They departed quickly, all of them. Tony came back into the bar grinning, as if he himself didn't believe what he'd just done. I visited he and Joe Groppuso's studio on Michigan Avenue a number of times to see Tony's beautiful, life figure, drawings and paintings. He had a huge impact on me as a friend, an artist and supporter. I always thought if I opened another joint, I'd call him, he'd be right there. If only. |
Laura Bommarito
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2008 - 8:49 am: | |
I'll never forget Tony. He was genuine, warm-hearted and loved to tell stories and especially raunchy jokes. He was my life drawing teacher at CCS when I was 18 and we became friends soon after. We sat in the front row to see "Star Wars" when it first came out. We spent many a night quaffing beer at Alvin's, the Song Shop and years later at the Cass Cafe. In winters we went ice skating at Palmer Park. He always looked out for me and would have put his life on the line to protect anyone he considered a friend. He loved life and knew how to have a good time. I'm so glad I knew him. He will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched. |
Michael Portney
| | Posted on Sunday, October 26, 2008 - 12:17 am: | |
Tony was a great friend, a great beer buddy and a great teacher. As a photo student, Tony carried me through the required drawing classes mostly by talking about drawing over beer. We stayed close for the duration. The last photo job I did before leaving town was shooting polo ponies with him for his beautiful paintings. We'll all miss the warm, wonderful, generous and truly caring person while we savor those awesome times we shared. Here's to you, Tony! |
Donna LeRoy
| | Posted on Sunday, October 26, 2008 - 2:07 am: | |
Tony made everyone feel like they were his best friend. He was so warm and generous. He was a very special human being and artist. |
Mary Haddad-Raveane
| | Posted on Monday, October 27, 2008 - 6:34 am: | |
I have so many fond memories of Tony from CCS and beyond. His figure drawing class was the first one I attended in the fall of 1975. We became friends over the four years I spent at the school and the many years that followed. I still remember Tony bringing his toddler son to school, dressed like his dad, with a cap and bomber jacket. He was such a kind man, who loved his family and many friends. I will miss you, Tony. |
Jackie
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 - 5:58 am: | |
he is an icon to CCS. he let us be ourselves at all times. I will never forget him. the cool cat will be missed.
ccs 1977-1981 |
susanewatkins@msn.com
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 - 6:32 am: | |
did anyone attending Tony's memorial manage to capture any photos? those of us out of town would love to see... |
Laura Grimshaw
| | Posted on Thursday, November 13, 2008 - 4:46 am: | |
Tony and David's memorial was very nice. There was a lot of picture sharing but I didn't see too much picture taking. Dennis Pruss did seem to take a few shots, however. Dennis? |
Debra Lozon
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 3:50 am: | |
When I think back to my days at CCS, I think of Tony Williams. He was always there to lend a good word and share a story. I remember too all those times chatting in his classes and sharing laughs at Alvins.
Rest in peace. |
susan starkweather
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 3:35 am: | |
Tony was a great teacher and friend offering words of support with a twinkle in his eye and a huge smile.I'll never forget the laughter. Evenings with the gang at Cobb's Corner is in my heart forever.
Susan Jacques Starkweather
FA 1973 |
Brendan Keenan
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 6:41 pm: | |
Tony's passing is our great loss. Not only a fine man but a technical master. He could teach anyone to draw. I remember him saying, "leave your egos outside the door when you come to this class-it makes drawing easier." One of the semesters I had him was when they showed the TV mini saeries "Shogun". He taped them, brought and played them during class and often explained aspects of japanese culture. His effect on me was profound. Godspeed, Tony.
Brendan Keenan
CR 1983
|
Ameen Shareef
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - 11:13 pm: | |
Spirit lead me to "Google" Tony to see what he was up to. I had no idea. What a great guy, instructor - "taught me how to draw dem damn eggs"-. CCS 1982. Peace.
|
Karen Katanick
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 - 10:49 pm: | |
When I last saw Tony at the exhibition he was in with Gordon Orear, Lester Johnson, and other CCS faculty,(2008) he seemed like his usual self -even though I knew he was ill. His booming voice and jovial personality will always be a sweet memory for me. He taught me figure drawing, and soooo much more about life. They just don't make men like Tony anymore. RIP |
Marlyn Consiglio
| | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2010 - 12:15 am: | |
Tony Williams, was a person who inspired me in art and a happy free soul, I was so honored to know him. He loved cannoli's I invited him to make cannoli with family and neighbor's, we made 400 shells that day. |
Mary Fortuna
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2011 - 3:05 am: | |
Paint Creek Center for the Arts is working with Francia to put together a memorial show of Tony's work in October. I've been going through paintings in the studio and taking care of details. As part of this show, we are turning over our First Floor Gallery for a show of works by Tony's former students, whether from CCS, PCCA or elsewhere. Please get in touch with me if you're interested in participating so I can give you full information. Also feel free to share this info with any other former student's of Tony's you might be in touch with.
Mary Fortuna |
dianabonner
| | Posted on Saturday, October 01, 2011 - 8:28 pm: | |
Tony Williams was a really cool guy I knew him from his perch on the barstool at Avin's and he always made me laugh. When money was tight, as it generally for an art student punk rocker like me, Tony offered me a modelling job at CCS. Maybe he just wanted to see me naked(LOL)
But I coud see what a great teacher he was and that his students adore him. Loved the guy! |
Jeslyn
| | Posted on Monday, November 21, 2011 - 12:05 pm: | |
You've got to be kidding meit's so trsanparently clear now! |
Tina Andracke Henize
| | Posted on Monday, June 18, 2012 - 11:55 pm: | |
Tony was life-mentor (gave up tryin' to make visual art while still in The Corridor...switched to food); laughin' buddy; yes, barstool buddy; and with always the "I'm gonna make you m'wo-man" to bring more laughin'. Did not have the pleasure of being in his class (not just school), but learned far more from him. RIP dear Tony. |
Abdarahmane
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - 12:47 pm: | |
Amy- You know, I hadn't thought of it that way, but you're so right. They're even kinda like the three of us Noelle Yep, these are all from my fidels two of the less successful ones, sadly. They are good to munch, though; the kids are always bringing ears back to the galle to roast (i.e., char) on coals.Left by clare on October 5th, 2005 |
Rekha
| | Posted on Saturday, November 24, 2012 - 7:45 pm: | |
Our corn looked like the one on the right! Has sionthmeg to do with pollination and how each little silk goes to its own kernel. Some were unfulfilled ..Left by Susan a.k.a. Leslie's Mom on October 6th, 2005 |
|