Mark Adams

Mark Adams Prominent San Francisco artist, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 24, 2006, following a brief illness. He was born in Fort Plain, NY, in 1925, the son of Earl and Edith Wohlgemuth Adams, and brother of Lucile Adams Smithe. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beth Van Hoesen; his nieces Judy Bailey and husband, Vernon of Davenport, NY, and Barbara Nalli and husband Albert of Pittsburgh, PA, their children and families; extended Van Hoesen family; and devoted family caregiver and friend Mary N. Connors. He graduated from Fort Plain High School, Fort Plain, NY, attended the School of Fine Arts at Syracuse University, and later studied with Hans Hofmann in New York City and Jean Lurcat in France. Mark excelled in a variety of artistic media: tapestry, stained glass, oil painting, mosaic, drawing, printmaking and watercolor. His understanding and use of color, figurative expression and architectural imagery was extraordinary. His artworks have been exhibited nationally and are in prominent public and private collections. Among his many commissions Mark designed stained glass windows for Grace Episcopal Cathedral, Temple Emanu-El, and St. Thomas More Catholic Church in San Francisco, and most recently Temple Isaiah in Lafayette. His tapestries may be found in the de Young Museum, Marina Branch Public Library, SF International Airport, and many other collections. Mark was a charming and humble man with great strength, wit, and integrity. He loved life and shared that love through his artistic talents and accomplishments. He was greatly loved by all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, January 29, 2006, at 3 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 2 Lake St. at Arguello, SF. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sister Francisca and the Carmelite Monastery, 27601 Hwy 1, Carmel, CA 93923.