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1943 - 2016
Garry L. Rich, artist, collector, Bed & Breakfast proprietor, and long time "social engine" of Noho and Soho died on the afternoon of May 17, 2016, departing his beloved Crosby and Bleecker Street neighborhood. He was found beside his object laden desk by his wife, the artist Sandy Gellis, who loves him dearly. In recent years, Garry was beset by several infirmities and confronted them with the growly humor that animated his life. Plans are now being made to celebrate this life in the way he would have wanted – a large and raucous party with close friends.
Garry Rich was born and raised in Arkansas City, Kansas on November 11, 1943. His parents were Evelyn (Werther) and Otis Kelly Rich, but he was primarily reared by his mother and
stepfather, Gerald Simpson. Garry was the quarterback of his High School football team – the dash and poise associated with this position carried over into Garry's "generous personality" and his career in art. He attended undergraduate school at the Kansas City Art Institute, and then went on to earn an MFA at NYU eventually completing everything but the dissertation (EBD) towards a PHD at NYU. He collaborated in his thesis exhibition with Jeff Way from Ohio, who became a lifelong friend, both living downtown and contributing to the energy and creative excitement of Soho in its formative years. Garry Rich exhibited his paintings in the 1970's and into the 80's, showing with the Max Hutchinson Gallery, as well as many group exhibitions across the United States. His work is in the collections of a number of museums including the Whitney. He also taught art at various schools including NYU, Hofstra and Bard College, and was a member of the Visiting Artists Collaborative (VAC), a group of artists whose members included Ree Morton, Elke Solomon, Jeff Way, Theodora Skipitares and Frank Owen, who traveled here and there offering workshops, exhibitions and performances.
Despite reducing the scale and output of his own artwork, many people were unaware of Garry's ongoing connection with art – with the express intention of not exhibiting in the "art world" – he continually sketched, read about art, and attended museum shows right up until his death.
At the same time, Garry Rich intensified his passion for collecting, building a rich cabinet of curiosities that filled most of his space. It includes: central american masks, ancient shark teeth, insects, meteorites, motor bikes and many other odd and marvelous objects. Part of the year, he retreated from the action of the city and lived for months on a small houseboat docked on an estuary on the west bank of the Hudson, reading voraciously.
He is survived by his wife Sandy Gellis of New York City; many old friends; a brother, Jerry Rich, and wife, Norma of Arkansas City; a sister, Judy Walker, and husband, Rich Harmon, of Houston, Texas; two nephews and three nieces.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Frank Owen, a friend.
Forgot to say, it was a gift for my 50th birthday.
Suzanne McConnell
May 26, 2023
I have a small lovely painting of a pear in an elaborate gold frame that Garry gave me, hanging in my writing room. It reminds me of his singular energy.
Suzanne McConnell
May 26, 2023
There is a photograph of Garry, Jeff Way and myself shaking hands together prior to giving a lecture years ago. It hangs in my studio and I see it every day. It is inspiring.
Frank Owen
Friend
May 25, 2023
Sandy, seeing you and your own "cabinet of curiosities" recently, I could only think what a deep and rare adventure you both had. Sending you a hug. Nancy
Nancy Storrow
May 24, 2023
Much sympathy Sandy. Love
Nancy Storrow
Friend
May 24, 2020
Garry was my best friend in Kansas City and caused me to be on many of his adventures. He was always kind, funny, and supportive. He even came to my first one man exhibition in New York City. He was a lovely intense man who was right in the middle of the creation of art in the time of the creation of Soho and that art scene.. I miss him
James Wilson
June 19, 2018
I just learned of Garry's death and am deeply saddened. My sincere condolences to Sandy. I know without a doubt that he adored you. The words you wrote, honoring his legacy, couldn't have come from anyone who didn't know him as intimately as you. He was one of a kind - highly intelligent, inquisitive, quit-witted. I had never met a man like Garry, and I doubt I will ever again.
June 7, 2017
Garry filled a space in my awareness that very few were cap-
able of. From his house boat in Kingston to rooming in the
carriage house, Garry was always inscrutable and erudite. A
conundrum who will be truly missed.
Art Schade
July 10, 2016
Dear Sandy,
My condolences to you on your loss. Garry was a good friend of mine in the late 1970's, 80's and even 90's. I can confirm that he was big-hearted and curious about so many things. I have two masks from him (African and Bolivian) that I treasure. I admired his energy and his ability to laugh at life, including himself.
I am saddened to hear of his passing.
Heartfelt wishes to you and to the family, Susan Austad
Susan Austad (Zucker)
June 5, 2016
We are sorry for your loss, Sandy
jane and gerry logemann/rosen
June 4, 2016
Sandy, So sorry to hear about Garry. In the 1950's Garry and I were friends when I lived in Arkansas City. He was a very special person to all who knew him. I wish I could have known you and Garry in adulthood. Again, you have my very deepest sympathy. Sharon (Hill) Mattson Girard, Kansas
June 3, 2016
Garry was one my life's great friends. Right up to his death, he was a regular contact for talk about New York and the people we knew together. We yakked on the phone frequently and I have saved three dozen voicemails where he gets on my case. We dined together when I came south and we saw each other a few times in Kingston where he had his house boat. He was fortunate to have Sandy keep an eye on him in recent years and he adored her and told me so. I miss him.
Frank Owen
June 3, 2016
Garry meant a great deal to me back in the day, and still. His robust nature was one of a kind. Difficult to believe he's gone.
I regret not rekindling and updating the relationship he proposed for us all, and not reaching back out as I kept intending to do the last two years. Wonderful bio, Sandy. You must be bereft. Take care, and keep me in the loop for the memorial party. Suzanne
Suzanne McConnell
June 2, 2016
Dear Sandy:
So sorry to hear about Gary.
Best,
Jeri Zempel
Jerilea Zempel
May 31, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of this loss. Garry and I participated in many exhibitions back in the day. We were closer then. He was a very gregarious and generous man. My condolences to Sandy..
John Torreano
May 30, 2016
Sandy, I didn't know he was so ill. I am so sorry. Wish I could be there. Lois Baron
May 30, 2016
Our condolences, Sandy.
J Shakin
May 30, 2016
Very sorry for your loss. May the words penned at Ps 18:2 bring you comfort during this difficult time. JF
May 30, 2016
my sympathy, Sandy. and a hug. xoN
May 30, 2016
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