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GAYLE WIMMER Obituary
GAYLE
Beloved sister, Professor Emeritus and internationally renowned artist, Gayle Wimmer died peacefully on August 25 after a long illness. Born in Pittsburgh, daughter of the late Frances and Emanuel Wimmer, Gayle received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. After teaching at The New School and Hunter College in New York, she joined the faculty of the School of Art and Art History at the University of Arizona in Tucson where she initiated and directed a program of Fiber Arts. She worked in non-traditional textile, mixed media, and photo/printmaking processes. Her work has been exhibited throughout the United States and abroad since the early 1970s and is found in many public and private collections including the National Museum of Textiles in Poland. Ms. Wimmer received numerous grants and fellowships for her work including a NEA Individual Artists Grant, and a Fulbright Fellowship. Beginning in 1971, she was awarded three IREX fellowships sponsored by the Ford Foundation, the Henry Luce Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, for extended art research in Poland. Her work was awarded the "Juror's Prize" at the 1996 International Biennial of Tapestry in Beauvais, France. Wimmer traveled extensively and at various times lived in Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. In 1988, she was a visiting Fulbright Professor at the University of Haifa in Israel. In 1999, she returned to Poland for five months as a guest lecturer and visiting artist to evaluate the effects of political change upon the work of contemporary Polish artists. Throughout the '80s and '90s, Wimmer's work was influenced by and reflected collective geographic, political, and social issues in countries where she had worked and lived. She is survived by her sisters, Lynne Wimmer and Dr. Susan Nathan; her niece, Hope Anne Nathan; and brother-in-law, Robert Nathan; as well as numerous artists and students who studied with her throughout the years. Services at RALPH SCHUGAR CHAPEL, INC., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Wednesday at 12 Noon. Visitation one hour prior to services (11 a.m. - 12 Noon). Interment PRIVATE. Those who wish to make charitable donations may do so to a charity of choice or Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia online - www.willseye.org/howtogive.
www.schugar.com
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Lynda Estrella
October 8, 2023
Gayle was also a connection of mine. She blessed me with words that explained so much to me. I never felt like I was away from her or her love and affection, even after years had passed. It was just her way. She learned so much throughout her life and shared with others so they to could understand life throughout the World. Her art reflected it, but her life was imbued with it. Blessings.
Edward Schwartz
August 21, 2023
nice person,knee her in High School only, Always quiet.
Lynette Denise
May 16, 2020
Unique and passionate, two words of many which could describe this beautiful woman.
When a person enters your mind with love and respect, out of the morning blue, after many years of distance, you know that person brought meaning and magic into your life.
Thank you, Gayle, you live on in my heart.
October 4, 2018
It is with great sadness that a shining, talented friend and teacher has passed. Gail was my instructor at the University of Arizona, when the fibers program started in 1978. I spent many hours in the vast studio of the old library. She always took time to listen and inform her students of the emerging world of contemporary fibers. Years after I graduated, I would go back and talk with her in the new studios attached to the Art building, and she always welcomed me. I was saddened to hear years later of her "illness" but I always sent messages of love and thankfulness to her in my thoughts. She is forever in my heart. This entry is part of my quest to thank all those teachers who guided me and made me stretch. When I think of Gail, it is the picture here, and those incredibly expressive hands that never stopped moving. Rest my dear friend and know that you did well in this life.
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July 9, 2017
I loved Gayle. In 1980-ish I ended up in the program that was brand new at U. Of A. I looked to see if there was a fibers program and could not find it in the catalogue. I found a ball of twine outside the art building and this made me start asking questions. I found Gayle and she mentored me. Years later in the early 90's I was newly divorced. I contacted her and found myself choked up as I reminded her who I was. She remembered. She wrote a wonderful letter of recommendation to graduate school. She summed me up. She knew me. I hope someone that loves her reads this since it is so far after her death. Gayle was amazing. Loving and talented.
Veronica (Nicky) Irrera
Willie Hulce
March 14, 2017
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Gayle. Although I never stayed in touch, I do remember her wonderful energy,compassion and creativity. I was a student of hers in the early 80's in Tucson and she has permanently influenced my artist's life. Rest in peace, dear lady.
Willie Hulce
Mary Jane Schumacher
March 20, 2016
Today, March 20,2015, we were visiting the Tucson Museum of Art. There in a plexiglass case was a work that undeniably said "Gail Wimmer." It was a book with pages made out of woven newspaper as only Gail could do. It
was shocking to see that she had passed on as she had this positive spirit that had no
end. She still was young with so many years yet to be the creative spirit she was. We will miss her.
Gayle Wimmer with students making felt. Summer 1986, Tucson, AZ.
Gregory Vasgerdsian
October 5, 2013
Gayle Wimmer was a mentor and a friend, I am saddened to learn of her passing. I was a student of Gayles at the UA from 1983 to 1987, and frequently stayed in touch with her into 2000. Gayle was an inspiring artist, and an inspiring teacher that had a tremendous effect on my life. She was a remarkable and caring person, and I grieve for your loss. My memories of her will always be strong.
kay t. morgan
September 21, 2013
My deepest condolences. She was a sweetheart
September 8, 2013
I am so sorry you have lost a wonderful and talented sister, I knew Gayle in Poland in 1982, and in 1984. I even went with her to Abankanowicz' studio! Together she and I frequently walked though the Old Jewish cemetery, taking photos, talking with mourners, especially seniors who had lived through the War. Gayle taught me so much about art and Judaism.
Gayle was an extraordinary person and artist. I last spoke with her in 2005--and truly regretted losing contact with her.
My husband and I had a wonderful week with her in Tucson and she drove us to all the great canyons and scenic deserts. She had an extraordinary passion for beauty.
Reuben Naranjo
September 7, 2013
I am sorry to hear of Gayle's passing. However her essence will always live through her contact with students, friends and colleagues, she was on my MA thesis committee. Gayle always pushed her students to explore and experiment with whatever materials we incorporated into our fiber projects and ideas. What I will always remember about Gayle is her access to the international fiber artist community and how it influenced and impacted my work, especially Magdalena Abakanowicz and Gayle's work in Poland. Rest in peace, Gayle, my instructor and friend. Reuben Naranjo PhD.
Marc Leviton
September 5, 2013
Gayle was one of my professors at the U of A during my MFA candidacy and she was on my thesis committee. She was a source of great inspiration, a wonderful person, and educator. I am sadden by her passing and will miss her.
All my best to her family.
Marc David Leviton
Claudette Barry
September 5, 2013
Dear Lynne,
Gayle and I were friends for many years. She was a fascinating, beautiful, intelligent, remarkable artist and I have missed her since she left Tucson but have been able to stay informed about her through Aurore. I also have a wonderful piece of her art which she gifted me with on my 60th birthday, and which I have the pleasure of looking at every day. I am so sorry for your loss.
Claudette Barry
Aurore Chabot
September 5, 2013
Dear Lynne and Susan,
I am so saddened to hear about Gayle's passing. She had so many creative ideas when she became ill that it's tragic such a great artistic talent has been stilled. I remember well her last major exhibition of new work based on an old dictionary her family had. I talked with her off and on during the making of the extensive installation that was so beautiful, poetic, ethereal and down to earth. She dwelled on every detail until it reverberated with her vision.
Dear friend, colleague and artist, Gayle, may you rest in peace.
With love and compassion for Gayle, her family and far-flung friends and former students,
Aurore
September 3, 2013
I knew her, worked with her, and loved her.
Anita and I saw the flicker of the Gayle we loved before she left Tucson.
We will miss her but her image - the one we knew - will stay in our hearts.
Josh and Anita
August 28, 2013
I have not seen Gayle since high school. She was a nice person, quiet and friendly.
My condolences to the entire family.
Ed Schwartz-Class of 1961.
Simon Noel
August 27, 2013
Lynne,
I never knew your sister; but reading about her clearly indicates that she was blessed with enormous
talent. Sorry for your loss.
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