Norman Foster

Norman Foster
November 5, 1921 ~ March 7, 2009

CARMEL - Norman Foster, 87, died peacefully at home on March 7, 2009. He was an artist, designer and teacher - born in Smithville, TX and he grew up in San Antonio and Victoria, TX. He served in the U.S. Air Force (1941-1945) during World War II. He returned to New York University and Mexico City College receiving a BA degree in art history, painting
and design. In 1948 he was granted a teaching fellowship by the art department of the University of Missouri, and in 1949 received his MA degree.
In 1949 he married Muriel and in 1952 they moved to Texas, opening design studios in Corpus
Christi and San Antonio. His work took him throughout the U.S. and Europe. His design projects
were published 35 times in Vogue, Architectural Digest, House and Garden - including the
Paris edition of the HallMark house 1962, House Beautiful - including the Pace Setter House
1961, Town and Country, Texas Monthly, and Interior Design. In 1982 House Beautiful listed him
as one of 12 top interior designers internationally.
In 1975 Norman closed his business and moved to the Carmel Highlands to devote full time to his painting and sculpture. In 1994 he relocated his studio to Sand City, CA where he worked until recently.
He has had many solo and group shows and his art is in museums and collections in the U.S. and
Europe. He is represented by the Christopher Hill Gallery in St. Helena, CA; Foster-Gwin, San
Francisco, CA; and Finesilver Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Professional affiliations include American
Society of Interior Designers, and he is an Honorary Member of Practicing Designers, London. He is listed
in "Who's Who in The Southwest", "Who's Who In Interior Design", "Who's Who in The Pacific
Rim" and "Who's Who In The World."
He is survived by Muriel, his wife of 59 years: son, Douglas (Judy), Salinas, CA; daughter, Victoria Foster Gwin, San Francisco, CA; six grandchildren, Morgan, Laura, Erin, Spencer Gwin, San Francisco, CA, Cheyne Foster (Kaleen), Marina, CA, Dylan Foster, Salinas; one great-grandchild, Jackson, Marina; sisters: Geraldine Davis, Little Rock, AR, Bess Seward, San Antonio, Olive Wisdom, Houston, TX; one brother, the late James Foster, San
Antonio.
At the request of the deceased, a family service will be held.
Contributions in Norman's memory may be made to Dominican University, 7900 W. Division,
River Forest, IL or SPCA for Monterey County, P.O. Box 3058, Monterey, CA 93942.