Clifford Allen "Al" Elsbree

I thought of Mr. Elsbree as the closest thing to a father I've ever known. As his student at Ben Franklin Jr High, he was the first adult to believe in me, encourage me and helped me to see my own goodness and worth. He brought out the artist in me, a talent I didn't know was in me. Through the decades I've thought of him often. I had hoped to see him again before his passing and was planning a trip to do so. I will continue to think of him often and will miss him greatly.

Cathie, It's so sad to hear of Al's passing. Sending love from my heart to yours.

So sorry to hear or find this out, my condolences sincerely out to the family and everyone close to this master of art. A few stories:
1. I was his student at Washington in the early '80s and I am currently remastering a painting I did as a class project for my Dad in Mr Elsbrees class in '83. Currently, as I'm remastering it, (it survived my Dad's gym fire of 2011), I'm now remembering what he taught me then, and was telling me in class!...which I was hoping to tell Mr. Elsbree this, and I just saw this sad news.
2. I remember there was the time where we were working on a project for Mr Elsbree, and I came across a super 8 camera in the closet, and I asked him if I could use it to make an animated film, and he told me if I get my project done early I definitely could. Well I did and I made my first animated film with that super 8 camera and then we screened it in the class when it was done it was my first screening of my first animated cartoon. Mr Al Elsbree was one of the best Art teachers and long-time friend I was lucky enough to have as an Art teacher and friend.
3. The last time I actually saw Al and his wife was about a decade ago or so, they came up to my caricature booth at a festival, and I drew Al and his wife. It was like talking to an old friend I hadn't seen in years. We had a blast talking about Art and the past. He will be sorrowfully missed...God bless him and his family.

We are so sorry to hear about Al´s passing. He was such a kind person and a great artist. I will always remember his dedication to his landscape, especially his grasses that he loved so much. It was always fun to work with him and Cathie. Hoping many happy memories will bring comfort to all who will miss him.

Al made me feel special, he made me feel like an artist. He not only complimented my work, he saw them with his artist eyes. He loved Cathie and his family deeply and gave us all an example of how best to live ones life. The ripples of his life go much further than one can imagine. Thank you All for making me better. Blessings and love to those you left better. Kathy & RJ