Deane G. Keller

After a lovely visit with my Aunt Martha Keener who showed me Girl in a White Dress, I came to understand that one of my favorite teachers of all time, Mr. Keller from 1972-1977 at East Farms Elementary School, was such a renowned figure in the art world and art education. Finding this obituary, I see two EFES classmates Kevin Hardy and John Pavano also left a testimonial. I can still smell the tempura paint, see the kiln, and remember the erasure marks as he tried valiantly to teach us about...

Deane Keller, to me, will always be the consumate artist who captured with cutting artistic insight, the beauty and mystery of life. He had few equals.
Honest, true, and loving attention was reflective in his artwork as well as his person because he wanted to share himself, and that made a huge impression on me as a young artist. Artists can be selfish and not so giving, but Deane's unbounding spirit dispelled that notion because he was genuinely interested in people and their ideas,...

i was in an antiques shop recently and was drawn to a landscape painting. as i got closer i noticed it was signed deane g keller. "mr keller," as we referred to him then, was my elementary art school teacher for a year or two at east farms school in farmington. mr keller, probably then in his 30's, was an innovative and creative art teacher. looking back i'm sure his patience was tried teaching art to a bunch of elementary school kids. i consider him an influence, even though my career as an...

During my four months of instruction at the Lyme Academy I discovered the most generous, approachable, knowledgeable, and gifted teacher in all my years of study irregardless of subject. Deane, in you we have indeed lost a national treasure. I will never forget you.
May the blessing and peace of God be poured out abundantly upon you and your's Dorothy during this difficult time.

I cannot begin to imagine the numbers of young artists, like myself, who were profoundly influenced by Deane Keller. His light shone like a beacon to all of us who loved drawing and humanity. In life he was always in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers,
and now more than ever.

Dear Mrs. Keller I am just now finding out about the death of Dean your husband and the mentor to so many art students like myself. I studied under Dean at Lyme Academy. We all felt inspired watching him work. He had inspired my life and work at Lyme and his lessons, his kind words and advice live on with me and I am certain, with many others. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. I will never forget him.

Dear Dorothy - Words aren't enough to express how much you and Deane touched my life. I was so sorry to hear of his death. When you showed us slides in class, they were so clearly lenses into your life together. And I remember you leaving our "Architectural History of Hartford" class one hot, summer evening to celebrate your 25th anniversary. My thoughts are with you.

Dearest Aunt Dorothy,

We are greatly saddened by the passing of your husband Deane, he was a wonderful man, artist, teacher and uncle. He will be sorely missed by our family and the whole world. God gave him great talent and gifts, which he passed on to many and has made this a better world to live in.

May God bless you and comfort you in this time of sorrow, we will be thinking of you and praying for you. Take comfort in the many wonderful times you spent...

Dorothy,

I am sorry to hear of the sudden death of your husband. Be assured of my prayers for you and your family during this most difficult time.

Class of 1981 St. Joseph College