SHARI URQUHART

Shari was a visiting artist when I was a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I remember walking into her studio where she was working on a floor to ceiling painting that featured the top of a grand piano. It was in that time period (something like 1973-'74) that she painted "Better Dead than Red" and so many other breathtaking works later exhibited at the Memorial Union. Besides the very interesting and comedic, "All in the Family-like" content of these pieces,...

I loved her -- I met her at St Francis Residence. She was so down to earth. She even shared the story of her middle name which began with the letter M! I learned a lot from her, not only about art, but about life!!!! So long Shari, my mentor!!!!

Shari was loved by the tenants at St. Francis Residence in NYC. Her art program produced some great drawings and paintings of true outsider art. She helped start the St.Francis Residences, a model of community which became known world wide for providing a permanent home, with supportive services, for homeless people with chronic mental illness.