R.B. SPRAGUE

R.B. SPRAGUE R.B. Sprague, Santa Fe artist, passed peacefully Wednesday, July 28, 2010. Born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in south Arkansas, Roger was a graduate of El Dorado High School. He attended Oklahoma University and graduated with a BA in Fine Arts, with majors in botany, architecture, and finally, in painting. Roger resided in New York City and worked as booking agent and shipboard companion for United States Lines. He lived for a year on Swan's Island, Maine, where his father's family started life in the U.S. His conviction to make art his life and his living came to fruition in 1975 when he moved to New Mexico, working briefly in Bosque Farms in a plant nursery, then moving to a one room arrangement in Santa Fe in 1979 where he dedicated his life to his art. Roger has been represented in New York by J. Cacciola Gallery, and in Santa Fe by Santa Fe East, Fletcher Gallery, Windsor Betts, Joyce Robins, Turner Carroll and, most recently, by Ventana Gallery and the Patricia Rovzar Gallery in Seattle. He was honored as Artist in Residence at Oklahoma University in 2001. Roger is survived by his sister-in-law, Via Sprague; and nephews: Ronald, Mark, and David, and their children. Roger left us a legacy of beautiful images and deep friendships. He is sorely missed. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, gifts may be made to the OU Foundation in the name of R.B. Sprague and mailed to Oklahoma University, 100 Timberdell Road, Norman, OK 73019. Roger's assets and remaining paintings will be transferred to the Fine Arts Department for the benefit of painting students.