Michael Crespo

As one of my fortunes and dearly held cachet of memories are the visions of "Watercolor" Dean of the world in my book and his wife Libby. Friends Forever!

Still with us every day. Now in upstate NY.

Never forgotten. We are in the process of moving and our belongs have been in storage for then last few months. There were a few things that we simply could not place in the storage facility. Michaels Squid and Rose is beIng cared for by my mother in law. When we settle in at our new home we will find a suitable place for this work. His painting is very much a part of our everyday life.

I cannot believe its been 9 years since we lost Michael Crespo. I am still teaching, still a painter, and when I am trying to figure out what to do next, I often hear his whispered advice I heard so often during college- sometimes all it needs is a shot of green. Michael is still making me smile.

Godspeed, Friend. You changed an untold number of worlds for the better; That would include mine. Several times. And every student whose mind you blew and world you rocked will always love you for it. We celebrate your life every day.

Lizzy, one of the multitude at LSUSFA

Even at this distance, my suffering over the death of Mike Crespo, is grand. I have called him a brother and other ideas. But his persona was always a surprise. When he was born the world around him had to know there was a real multi-talented person about to flower in their midst. He as so full of ideas and gifted in a way that no other person I have known could complete. He could turn to one art form and then another and make surprises for everyone at all turns. He wrote songs,painted...

"A free man thinks of nothing less than death, and his wisdom is a meditation on life, not on death." Spinoza
Dearest Michael: you enriched our lives with your many gifts, powerhouse of art, writings, inspirational wisdom and intellect. But, most of all you taught us how to leave with grace and resolve. Your spirit reigns. How fortunate for those who had the pleasure of knowing Michael Crespo; the man, the artist, the poet, the husband, the father, the grandfather, the teacher, and the...

It saddens me very much to hear about Michael's passing. Only a week ago it occurred to me to send him an email just to say "hello" and "thank you" following a conversation I had with another artist. I never got around to it, but want his family to know I will always cherish his influence on me. As an art teacher myself, I often think about his uncanny ability to pinpoint an artist's uniqueness and nurture it. He was a brilliant, kind, encouraging man and I will miss him.