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Arthur Leon Beatty Jr.

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American University

Arthur Beatty Obituary

BEATTY, ARTHUR LEON, JR. (Age 56)

On June 17, 2004 in Cannes, France. Formerly of Washington, DC. Arthur graduated from American University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design. At 7'1" tall, he was an outstanding college basketball player and was named Most Valuable Senior Athlete in 1968. He attended graduate school at Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts. He was an artist, actor, musician (played a Japanese koto), and poet and was renowned for his ""jazz visuals", drawings of famous musicians in action. Arthur leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Elisa Trocme; three children, Remy, Alicia and Kahlil of France; mother, Hazel Beatty and brother, Clyde Beatty of Washington, DC, and a host of relatives and friends spanning two continents.

A Celebration of the Life of Arthur Leon Beatty, Jr. will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2004 at Calvary Episcopal Church, 820 Sixth St., NE, Washington, DC. Family visitation at 12 noon and service at 1 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Sep. 12, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Beatty

21 Entries

Jennifer Dawson MBE

September 6, 2024

It is so sad to think that is not around anymore. It´s many years since I saw him, I have attached a Photograph of a painting that I bought from him in Puerto Banos, Marbella back in the 70s. This painting has been with me ever since and has pride of place more ever I have lived. I think of him often.

Jennifer Dawson MBE

September 6, 2024

Jennifer Dawson MBE

September 6, 2024

It was lovely to get this reminder of Arthur. He was so talented and I have a picture done by him back in the early 70s in Marbella Spain. I have attached a copy so it can be enjoyed by everyone.

Rupert Hull

April 27, 2024

I had the enormous pleasure of knowing 'Artur' as the people of Cannes called him.
We always met up when I was there for the numerous parties at Cannes Film, Music and TV festivals over many years. He nearly always got into the parties as he was a known local celebrity.
In the Martinez hotel bar, around the edge of the counter, they had small plaques of select Film Directors and Stars, only about a dozen or so.
After his untimely death, they put a small plaque up for him, above the bar!
The bar has since been renovated, I will ask what happened to it in May when I next go
'Jazz in Antibes' - 1998 40" x 30" hangs proudly on my wall.

Jenny Carnaby Dawson

January 26, 2024

I have only just seen this and I have realised I knew Arthur when he was living in Marbella in Spain this was in late 60s/seventies. He was a wonderful person and extremely talented and I´m very lucky to have one of his paintings hanging in my house. My lasting memories are of him walking through Puerto Banos with his portfolio under his arm and seeing me in my car and bending down almost double speak to me through the window I will add a photo of the painting

Michele Nurse

September 6, 2023

I´m still looking forward to meeting my talented French family. Cousin Arthur I´ll see you on the other side.

Ludlow Bailey

September 29, 2004

I met “ King” Arthur at a vernissage at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris in the late eighties. We reconnected again in early 1994 at an African American Art Conference at The Sarbonne. We came to an agreement that I would be his art agent in the Southeast USA. We had several successful shows in South Florida. His artwork became highly sought after in Florida during the 1990’s and was collected by prominent Floridians such as billionaire, Jim Moran and art connossieur, Dr. Catherine Lowe among many others.

Arthur became part of my family. He was the best man at my wedding in the Dominican Republic and stayed several months at my home from time to time. He was kind, generous and had an unforgettable sense of humor. My wife and children were devastated to hear of his passing. Arthur had an extraordinary talent, but most importantly, he was a humble, trustworthy, reliable, royal, cultured and refined soul.

I believe that Arthur was one of the most versatile and global African American art personalities of the 20th century. His artistic vision and his unique understanding and interpretation of Jazz will forever inspire the art world. His life was truly remarkable.
He will be sadly missed and I trust that his life story will in the near future be fully told.
My sincere condolences to his family.

Earl R. Frazier

September 21, 2004

Dear Family: It has been nearly twenty or more years since I have heard from Art but my memories of and love for him are as fresh as yesterday's sunshine. I always enjoyed his presence during the years, he had a gentle soul and aura about him. I remember him introducing me to John Coltrane in the early 60's, Art had quite a collection of artists but Coltrane was his favorite at that time.

I will truly miss knowing he was alive and enjoying life to the fullest. I know he is at peace and rest. My heart-felt condolences. God bless.

Antonia Williams-Gary

September 20, 2004

Dear Beatty family: I commissioned Authur to render a 'portrait'(not a photographic likeness)of me about 7 years ago. Not only did he study my life and passions, he produced a piece that is being considered as a major purchase by the Miami Art Museum- a testimony to his talent and his love of people. I will have Ludlow Bailey keep you all apprised of the progress of the negotiations with the Museum- so that Arthur's work can be seen by additional hundreds, nee thousands of folks visiting Miami. Arthur was a really 'big' man, and I feel honored to have known him and to have him as part of my life- forever. Toni

Vera (Little) Darby

September 19, 2004

Dear Beatty Family, Arthur and I were elementary school and junior high school classmates. I have fond memories of our growing up years in River Terrace - of him and all of us who grew up together. He was important to us all. May God bless and keep you in perfect peace.

Carolyn Grimstead

September 18, 2004

Dear Beatty Family, please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Arthur was a strong and valued friend throughout grade school, art school, college, New York, and in France. His positive presence will truly be missed.

Darion Griffin

September 17, 2004

To Mrs. Beatty & Clyde -

Know that Alison, Tom and I send you our love, prayers, condolences and unlimited offers of assistance at this time and in the future. We will miss Arthur, but will fondly remember "le bon temps" we shared and how we literally and figuratively looked up to him.

Lora and Milton Mayo

September 17, 2004

Miss Hazel, Clyde:

Earth hath no sorrow, that heaven cannot heal. May joyful memories of Arthur be a constant companion to you. May the Great God of all the universe bless and keep you, and may the Holy Spirit bring you comfort and peace.

Prayerfully yours

Eleanor Randolph

September 17, 2004

Clyde: I was truly dismayed to hear about the passing of your brother, Arthur. Even though I did not know him, I have had the pleasure of knowing you and if his heart was half as pure as yours, I know that he was a tremendously good person. My prayers for continued strength go out to you and your family in this most difficult time. Please know that you are not alone as indicated by the outpouring love that you have received.

Wayne Curry

September 17, 2004

Clyde,

Sheila and I want to express our deep sorrow at Art's passing and to extend our sympathies. We pray that the Lord will bless you with strength and perspective during this time of trial and reflection. To you and your family, Peace.

Mack & Jackie McDaniel

September 17, 2004

Mack and I offer our deepest sympathy to your family. We know that you will find strength with the help of God, your church members, family, and friends.

Deborah Stevenson

September 16, 2004

Clyde,

My condolences to you and your family during this difficut time. May it bring you comfort to know that in God's house, there many mansions.

In My Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2

Michele Marks-Nurse

September 16, 2004

Arthur was my cousin. He remained an artistic inspiration to me and to many others. Love to Arthur's mother, beloved wife and children.

Billy Miller

September 16, 2004

My family and I share the fondest memories of Arthur. We miss his sense of adventure, worldliness, presence, and love of painting and music. God bless Arthur's entire family, and special regards to my "unofficial" brother Clyde, and his wonderful mother...Mrs. Beatty.

Ted Ringelheim

September 13, 2004

I graduated AU in 1968...remember Arthur from my freshmen year to senior year... attended many games...what an awesome player.....

a gentlemen on and off the court.....my sympathies to his family....

Grant Wright

September 13, 2004

Sorry to hear of Art's passing. I knew him at McKinley and at Calvary.

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