Peter Gebhardt

Family-Placed Death Notice

PETER ALEXANDER GEBHARDT 1932-2007 "An Illustrated Life" Peter Gebhardt's debut exhibition was on 20th December 1932 in Paramaribo, Suriname. He grew up in Suriname, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States of America. He began drawing and painting at every opportunity. Peter's sketch diaries, begun as a youth, illustrated his travels and his life. He graduated from King's College (New York). Peter, after college graduation, began a career in graphic and advertising arts as an illustrator. He did layout and design as a graphic designer, became an art director (coordinating the work of many other designers) and then became creative director for several agencies. His great love of fine art flourished and he exhibited widely, winning awards for his drawings and paintings. Peter's work appears in several private collections worldwide. It was Peter's talent as a creative director that brought him to Georgia in 1982. There he met the other great love of his life, Natalie Bramham, who would later become his wife, they created two beautiful daughters, Melani and Alexis, and live in Kennesaw. He receive much assistance from the family animals who actively supervised his home studio with little respect for artwork but great appreciation for the back scratches and food provided by the artist. When Peter retired from the advertising agency, he was able to devote his time to his family and his fine art. Whether he used charcoal, pencil, ink or paint, Peter created. His work continues to be exhibited widely, and may be seen in upcoming exhibitions in the Gallery 4463, opening October 5 (Acworth, Georgia) and the Fall Exhibition of the North Cobb Arts League opening October 4 (The Art Station-Big Shanty in Kennesaw, Georgia). His work may also be seen at The Daily Grind Coffee House and Cafe' (3960 Mary Eliza Trace in Marietta). For several years, Peter had been sharing his experience, wisdom, and wit with students of all ages in art classes offered through Cobb County Parks and Recreation Facilities (The Art Station-Big Shanty and The Mable House). He's been an active member of The North Cobb Arts League as well, serving as the organization's President. Peter passed away on Sunday, September 16th in the company of his precious family. Peter leaves behind his beloved wife and children, Natalie, Melani and Alexis, siblings Gerti Schmidt-Theuner (of Baden, Switzerland) and Roland Gebhardt (New York, USA), nephew Morgan Gebhardt (New York, USA). Peter, fortunate in family as well as talent, treasured his in-laws, Sharon and Stephen Bramham, and his sister-in-law, Kimberly Bramham, brother-in-law, Christopher Bramham. He also leaves a hole in the art community and in the hearts of the many people whose lives he graced with his character and his art. Visitation will be at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home (2950 Cobb Parkway, Kennesaw) from 6 PM to 9 PM on Thursday and Friday, September 20 and 21. Peter's father-in-law, Pastor Steve Bramham will conduct the Memorial Service on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 1:00 PM at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: The North Cobb Arts League (Post Office Box 1551, Kennesaw, Georgia 30156). Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 770-422-7299.