Carol Critchfield

Carol Critchfield 1915-2009 Carol Critchfield, an artist in acrylic and in life, joined her cherished sister, the late Virginia G. Piper, on Monday, January the 19, 2009. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and loyal friend. "Mimi," as she was known to those closest to her, lived every moment of her colorful life. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1915, Carol was a child of the Depression. The inside of a cereal box served as an open and obvious canvas; the first of many. She would later study at the Chicago Art Institute and the American Academy of Art. She received private instruction from Rudolph Pen, Martyl and George Buehr. She began her artistic career in fashion illustration. New styles would hit the runway and she would sketch the latest and greatest for advertisements in the newspaper. Carol then fell in love with the illustration of children's books; an experience that would later fuel her fearless support of organizations devoted to young people. Carol exhibited at various national locations including the Chicago Art Institute, The Chicago Public Library as well as the Mainstreams (Marietta, Ohio), Northern Illinois University (DeKalb) and Rosary College (River Forest.) She received numerous awards in her lifetime including recognition from Watercolor USA. Carol moved to Paradise Valley in 1971 where she supported herself and her beloved son Paul, through her artwork at her own home which she fondly called, "The Desert Studio." Carol painted with purpose and with passion. Originally known for her floral paintings, she always found a new challenge. She was an innovator; landscapes, sporting events, vintage family photographs and the symphony were the inspiration for many a "Critchfield" painting. Carol's local exhibitions gave her exposure to the public here in Arizona. Some of her titles included, "A Garden Party," at the Arizona Heart Institute benefit; "Sports Alive" at the Prudential Bache Securities in Scottsdale; "Spring Serenade" at the Orange Tree Resort in Scottsdale; "Transitions" at the Sunburst Resort in Scottsdale and "Montage" at the Ritz-Carlton in Phoenix. Carol later exhibited a collection of her work at the Northern Trust Bank in Scottsdale and the Town Hall in Paradise Valley. Her paintings are treasured by family, friends and collectors alike. Some of her life's work was purchased by Edward G. Robinson and Vincent Price. You can never mistake a Carol Critchfield piece; they can be seen throughout the Valley at the Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Campus, The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, The Franciscan Renewal Center and The Scottsdale Boys and Girls Club. Carol, not unlike her sister Virginia, was a philanthropist in her own right. She loved the arts and the music community. She was a devoted and enthusiastic supporter of the orchestra. She wrote, "The two creative joys, music and art, are so closely related...soaring strings and flowing color; sparkling piano and the Impressionists; booming brass and the strident strokes of abstraction...it is never ending and stirs the imagination."One of her greatest compositions was a magical symphony series that featured images of Doc Severinsen and Yo Yo Ma. Reflecting on the breadth of her work, Carol once said, "Life is very stress filled. My solace in all this is an expression of the simple truths, the miracles of each new day. I hope my paintings bring joy to the heart." They certainly did to the family that she leaves behind. They include her son, Paul Critchfield, daughter-in-law Claudia, her granddaughter Tina Critchfield Huber with husband Jeff, great-grandchildren Holden and Hayden Huber and her grandson Kendall Critchfield. Visitation for Carol Critchfield will be held this Friday, January the 23rd at Messinger Mortuary: 7601 Indian School Road, Scottsdale from 4-6:30 in the evening. A rosary will begin at 6pm. The funeral mass and celebration of her life will be held Saturday, January the 24th, at 4PM at The Conventual Church of Our Lady of the Angels at the Franciscan Renewal Center: 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley. The family has asked in lieu of flowers to kindly remember the causes so close to her heart, they include: The Boys and Girls Club of Scottsdale, The Scottsdale Center for the Arts, The Desert Botanical Garden and Mission of Mercy.

Click here to view the obituary as it appeared in print.